Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

disorder

American  
[dis-awr-der] / dɪsˈɔr dər /

noun

  1. lack of order or regular arrangement; confusion.

    Your room is in utter disorder.

    Synonyms:
    clutter, litter, jumble, disarray, disorderliness
  2. an irregularity.

    a disorder in legal proceedings.

  3. breach of order; disorderly conduct; public disturbance.

    Synonyms:
    turbulence, riot
  4. a disturbance in physical or mental health or functions; malady or dysfunction.

    a mild stomach disorder.

    Synonyms:
    indisposition, sickness, complaint, illness, malady, ailment

verb (used with object)

  1. to destroy the order or regular arrangement of; disarrange.

    Synonyms:
    disorganize, disarray
  2. to derange the physical or mental health or functions of.

    Synonyms:
    confuse, upset, disturb
disorder British  
/ dɪsˈɔːdə /

noun

  1. a lack of order; disarray; confusion

  2. a disturbance of public order or peace

  3. an upset of health; ailment

  4. a deviation from the normal system or order

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to upset the order of; disarrange; muddle

  2. to disturb the health or mind of

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

Disorder, brawl, disturbance, uproar are disruptions or interruptions of a peaceful situation. Disorder refers to civil unrest or to any scene in which there is confusion or fighting: The police went to the scene of the disorder. A brawl is a noisy, unseemly quarrel, usually in a public place: a tavern brawl. A disturbance is disorder of a size as to inconvenience people: to cause a disturbance. An uproar is a tumult, a bustle and clamor of many voices, often because of a disturbance: a mighty uproar.

Other Word Forms

  • predisorder noun

Etymology

Origin of disorder

First recorded in 1470–80; dis- 1 + order

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.

In the aftermath of the incident, J.M. has exhibited diminished cognitive function, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is terrified of bath time — an activity he previously enjoyed, according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Lynsey and Mark Scott's nine-year-old daughter, Thea, has a rare genetic disorder that sees her spend up to eight days a month at Sunndach.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

He said that as a result of his bipolar disorder, he had "lost touch with reality".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The US rapper subsequently expressed regret for his conduct, blaming it on his bipolar disorder.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Great waggons were standing in disorder in a field beaten bare of grass.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien