disruption

[dis-ruhp-shuhn]

noun

1. forcible separation or division into parts.

2. a disrupted condition.

   After the coup, the country was in disruption.

3. Business.,  a radical change in an industry, business strategy, etc., especially involving the introduction of a new product or service that creates a new market.

   Globalization and the rapid advance of technology are major causes of business disruption.

Other Word Forms

• predisruption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disruption¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin disruptiōn-, stem of disruptiō; equivalent to disrupt + -ion

Example Sentences

Delivery firm DPD could face disruption to its services after some of its drivers began three days of action in a dispute over payments.

Read more on BBC

But the economy typically recoups most of that lost activity after a shutdown ends, as it would after disruption caused by a natural disaster.

Read more on BBC

The "airspace violations" come at a time of heightened tension in Europe after a number of drone incursions, suspected of being linked to Russia, caused air traffic disruption.

Read more on BBC

The prosecutor said businesses had to close during the protest and "worry, disruption and fear" was caused to residents.

Read more on BBC

"We recognise the impact the sinking has had on local communities and acknowledge the disruption it caused," he said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• confusion 
• disorder 
• disturbance