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

Scientists say the possibility that microplastics could worsen or speed up these disorders raises serious public health concerns.

From Science Daily

Around 10 years old is when Kaley remembered having her first feelings of anxiety and depression, disorders for which she would be diagnosed years later by a therapist.

From BBC

“They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Scientists at CIC study infections, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung conditions, the microbiome, and autoimmune disorders to develop new therapies and cures.

From Science Daily

Units from people with rare blood like Stoddart-Stones are used for patients with the same rare blood who are having an operation or need regular transfusions because of disorders such as sickle cell disease.

From BBC

Related Words

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