disrupt

[dɪsˈrʌpt]

disrupt Definition

• 1. interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem
• 2. drastically alter or destroy the structure of (something)
• 3. to prevent something from continuing in its usual way

Using disrupt: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "disrupt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The storm disrupted the power supply.

• Example

  The construction work is disrupting the flow of traffic.

• Example

  The new technology has disrupted the traditional business model.

• Example

  The pandemic has disrupted our daily lives.

disrupt Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for disrupt

• disturb
• upset
• unsettle
• disorder
• derange

Antonyms for disrupt

• organize
• arrange

Idioms Using disrupt

• throw a spanner in the works

  to cause disruption or problems that prevent something from progressing smoothly

  Example

  The unexpected resignation of the CEO threw a spanner in the works for the company's expansion plans.

• upset the applecart

  to disrupt or upset a situation that is otherwise stable or predictable

  Example

  The sudden departure of the team captain upset the applecart for the rest of the season.

• put a spoke in someone's wheel

  to deliberately obstruct or disrupt someone's plans or activities

  Example

  The rival company put a spoke in our wheel by launching a similar product just before our launch date.

Phrases with disrupt

• disruptive technology

  a new technology that significantly alters the way that businesses operate and compete

  Example

  The rise of smartphones was a disruptive technology that changed the way we communicate and access information.

• disruptive innovation

  a new product or service that creates a new market and disrupts an existing market

  Example

  Netflix was a disruptive innovation that revolutionized the way we watch movies and TV shows.

• disruptive behavior

  behavior that is likely to cause problems or to interrupt the normal course of events

  Example

  The teacher had to deal with disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Origins of disrupt

from Latin 'disruptus', meaning 'broken apart'

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Summary: disrupt in Brief

To 'disrupt' [dɪsˈrʌpt] means to interrupt or drastically alter a process or structure. It can refer to physical disturbances like a storm or construction work, or to technological innovations that change the way businesses operate. Examples include 'The pandemic has disrupted our daily lives,' and 'The new technology has disrupted the traditional business model.' Idioms like 'throw a spanner in the works' and 'upset the applecart' describe the effects of disruption on a situation.