disruption

noun

dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən 

plural disruptions

: the act or process of disrupting something : a break or interruption in the normal course or continuation of some activity, process, etc.

disruption of sleep

disruptions in service

a process that has continued without disruption

Throughout the history of medicine, health has been seen as a condition of equilibrium and illness as the disruption of a balanced state.

—David Mechanic

By 1925 most countries had recovered from the economic disruptions caused by the Great War of 1914-18.

—John A. Garraty

Synonyms of disruption

• disturbance
• dislocation

Examples of disruption in a Sentence

the flat tire resulted in an unfortunate disruption of the schedule for our road trip

Recent Examples on the Web

In response to the Iran war and the disruption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, IEA members agreed to make 400 million barrels of oil available to the market. — Heather Occhino, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026

Lee-Kim said pandemic viewing, despite the disruption COVID brought to the industry, exposed audiences to films across languages and helped make language less of a barrier. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

With the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, shipping disruptions, shifting consumer demand, and continuing geopolitical uncertainty, manufacturers in both countries are increasingly cautious about making financial commitments. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

As aid cuts and global shipping disruptions threaten access to contraception for girls in Africa, Nhedega's experience highlights a broader challenge that goes beyond whether contraceptives are being bought or stocked. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disruption

• corruption
• eruption
• irruption
• incorruption
• interruption

Medical Definition

disruption

noun

dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən 

: the act or process of breaking apart or rupturing

bandaged her leg tightly to prevent disruption of the partly healed wound

disrupt

dis-ˈrəpt 

transitive verb