disrupt

American  

[dis-ruhpt] / dɪsˈrʌpt /

verb (used with object)

1. to cause disorder or turmoil in.

   The news disrupted their conference.

2. to destroy, usually temporarily, the normal continuance or unity of; interrupt.

   Telephone service was disrupted for hours.

3. to break apart.

   to disrupt a connection.

4. Business. to radically change (an industry, business strategy, etc.), as by introducing a new product or service that creates a new market.

   It’s time to disrupt your old business model.

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adjective

1. broken apart; disrupted.

disrupt British  

/ dɪsˈrʌpt /

verb

1. (tr) to throw into turmoil or disorder

2. (tr) to interrupt the progress of (a movement, meeting, etc)

3. to break or split (something) apart

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Other Word Forms

• disrupter noun
• disruption noun
• disruptor noun
• nondisrupting adjective
• nondisruptingly adverb
• undisrupted adjective

Etymology

Origin of disrupt

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin disruptus, variant of dīruptus “broken apart,” past participle of dīrumpere “to break apart,” from dī- di- ² + rumpere “to break”

Example Sentences

For most parents, a realistic goal “is usually not to fully fund college, but to create enough flexibility so school decisions” don’t disrupt the family’s finances, Bogardus said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

They defended resolutely and did enough to disrupt the tempo of the game.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Concerns that artificial intelligence will disrupt software firms—a direct-lending area for many private credit funds—have also weighed, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to disrupt another industry.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Tessie who secretly monitored her children’s bowel movements and so of course knew exactly how greasy American foods could disrupt their digestion.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• breach
• break into
• obstruct