disarray
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to put out of array or order; throw into disorder.
-
to undress.
noun
-
disorder; confusion.
The army retreated in disarray.
-
disorder of apparel.
noun
-
confusion, dismay, and lack of discipline
-
(esp of clothing) disorderliness; untidiness
verb
-
to throw into confusion
-
archaic to undress
Etymology
Origin of disarray
1350–1400; (noun) late Middle English; Middle English disrai, d ( e ) rai < Anglo-French dissairay, Old French desaroi; (v.) Middle English disarayen < Anglo-French desaraier, Old French desareer; dis- 1, array
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.
Delhi's chaotic roads have been gridlocked at points and summit organisers have faced criticism over crowded entry points and other disarray, especially on the first day.
From Barron's
The prototypical agency holding company that long lured in staff with skyscraper offices, cushy expense accounts and multimillion-dollar clients is in disarray.
But her Olympic plans were thrown into disarray when she crashed in a World Cup race at Crans Montana, Switzerland, on January 30.
From Barron's
Australia head to the World Cup in disarray after being thumped 3-0 by Pakistan in a warm-up series and are winless from their past five T20 internationals.
From Barron's
The final on 18 January in Rabat, which Senegal went on to win 1-0, descended into disarray when Senegal's players left the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
