disruption

American  

[dis-ruhp-shuhn] / dɪsˈrʌp ʃən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• predisruption noun

Etymology

Origin of disruption

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

Example Sentences

Departments ranging from defense, education and transportation to housing and financial regulation would be affected in a prolonged shutdown, while pressure would mount quickly to resolve disruptions rippling through the economy.

From Barron's

What it says about America: The music industry had just emerged from decades of turmoil caused by expiring recording patents, the rise of radio, the Great Depression and the disruption of sound films.

From The Wall Street Journal

Patients and staff at Southampton's main hospital have faced a day of disruption after a fire broke out earlier.

From BBC

This caused disruption, leading to empty shelves in the all important run up to Christmas trading, a "nightmare" putting the turnaround six months behind schedule, they said.

From BBC

Storm damage is still causing major disruption across Devon and Cornwall, with flooded homes, roads and railways.

From BBC

Related Words

• confusion
• disorder
• disturbance