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

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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

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verb

1. to upset the order of; disarrange; muddle

2. to disturb the health or mind of

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

In 2023, an estimated one in five children and adolescents were living with a mental health disorder, and anxiety was among the most frequently reported conditions.

From Science Daily

Recent protests and rioting by detainees deepened the disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal

Charlotte began therapy at her local mental health service before being admitted to an anxiety disorder residential unit in London.

From BBC

Anna's daughter has a number of diagnoses including pre-verbal trauma and a dissociation disorder, which manifests as multiple personalities.

From BBC

This provided clear evidence of acromesomelic dysplasia, Maroteaux type -- a very rare inherited disorder characterized by severe short stature and significant shortening of the limbs.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• chaos
• complication
• disturbance
• lawlessness
• trouble
• unrest