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Definition of disruption

disruption

/dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/
dis · rup · tion

Adverb:disruptively
•
Plural:disruptions
•
Adjective:disruptive
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disruption Lexical Profile

disruption Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A disturbance or problem that interrupts an event, activity, or process and prevents it from continuing as usual.

Example

"The heavy snowfall caused major disruption to public transport across the city."


2

A radical change to an existing industry or market, especially one driven by technological innovation that displaces established business models.

Example

"The rise of streaming platforms brought unprecedented disruption to the traditional television industry."


3

The physical act of breaking, bursting, or splitting something apart, such as biological tissue or geological strata.

Example

"Microscopic examination revealed severe cellular disruption caused by the toxin."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for disruption

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 17th century from Latin disruptio, a noun of action from the past participle stem of disrumpere ('to break apart or burst asunder'), formed from dis- ('apart') and rumpere ('to break').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disruption. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disruption
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