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

throw a spanner in the works, upset the applecart, put a spoke in someone's wheel

disruptive technology, disruptive innovation, disruptive behavior

Formal and Informal Expressions of disrupt

In different contexts, you can replace 'disrupt' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'interrupt, disturb' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'mess up, screw up' is a commonplace synonym.

disrupt: Explore its Definition & Usage

disrupt Definition

1interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem
2drastically alter or destroy the structure of (something)
3to 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

Antonyms for disrupt

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.