disruption

noun

dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce disruption (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Because the future of work won’t belong to those who never face disruption. Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 Huge obstacles like inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions halt growth and the ability to compete in the modern economy. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 28 May 2025 The work was necessary after three major disruptions occurred at Newark's Philly TRACON (terminal radar approach control), causing telecom outages and radar scope reboots. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025 Lee was called up to the Raw brand in August 2020 but faced disruptions due to health issues, including a severe bout with COVID-19 and subsequent heart inflammation, which kept him sidelined for a significant period. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disruption

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disruption was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disruption. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

disruption

noun
dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce disruption (audio)
: the act or process of breaking apart or rupturing
bandaged her leg tightly to prevent disruption of the partly healed wound
disrupt transitive verb

More from Merriam-Webster on disruption

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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