disruption

[dis-ruhp-shuhn]

noun

1. forcible separation or division into parts.

2. a disrupted condition.

   After the coup, the country was in disruption.

3. Business.,  a radical change in an industry, business strategy, etc., especially involving the introduction of a new product or service that creates a new market.

   Globalization and the rapid advance of technology are major causes of business disruption.

Other Word Forms

• predisruption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disruption¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin disruptiōn-, stem of disruptiō; equivalent to disrupt + -ion

Example Sentences

The company also said it would delay the disclosure of its third-quarter financial results, citing the disruption caused by the attack.

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In April, voltage variations are believed to have led to a major hourslong electrical outage across Spain and Portugal that caused widespread disruption.

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Airport disruptions, for instance, generally fall under the jurisdiction of homeland security authorities or interior ministries, but can require the protection of militaries.

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It resulted in significant clinical disruption and directly contributed to at least one patient death.

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The company said last week that it was working closely with Novelis, the aluminum supplier whose plant in upstate New York burned last month, while also exploring “all possible alternatives to minimize any potential disruptions.”

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Related Words

• confusion 
• disorder 
• disturbance