disarray
Americanverb (used with object)
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to put out of array or order; throw into disorder.
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to undress.
noun
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disorder; confusion.
The army retreated in disarray.
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disorder of apparel.
noun
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confusion, dismay, and lack of discipline
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(esp of clothing) disorderliness; untidiness
verb
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to throw into confusion
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archaic to undress
Etymology
Origin of disarray
1350–1400; (noun) late Middle English; Middle English disrai, d ( e ) rai < Anglo-French dissairay, Old French desaroi; (v.) Middle English disarayen < Anglo-French desaraier, Old French desareer; dis- 1, array
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
From flagrant noncompete bids to overextended “emergency” contracts and open markets of fraud and nepotism, the disarray of New York City’s social services harms everyone and benefits few.
With Chelsea in disarray, Gordon and Woltemade carved open them yet again on the stroke of half-time, but on this occasion the German somehow volleyed wide when it seemed easier to score.
From Barron's
EU plans to seal a vast trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur this week were thrown into disarray Wednesday as Italy joined France in demanding more time to sign off on it.
From Barron's
When that person dies, the surviving partner can be thrust into financial disarray and confusion.
Amid a vast snowy landscape, an invading army pulls back in disarray.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
