Disrupt

/dɪsˈrʌpt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To interrupt the normal course or continuity of something.

The construction work will disrupt traffic on Main Street for several months.

To throw into confusion or disorder.

The heavy rain disrupted the schedule for the outdoor event.

To break apart or cause to break apart.

The explosion disrupted the power supply to the entire region.

To create a significant change in a traditional industry or market.

The new technology has the potential to disrupt the retail banking sector.

Late Latin disruptus, from dis- 'apart' + rumpere 'to break'.

disrupt the flow

to interrupt the smooth progression of something

disrupt business as usual

to disturb the normal operations of a business

disruptive innovation

an innovation that significantly alters or disrupts the industry

interruption

the act of stopping something temporarily.

disturbance

an interruption of the peace and quiet.

breakdown

a failure or an interruption in a system.

to throw a wrench in the works

His last-minute idea really threw a wrench in the works.

to throw off

The sudden rainstorm threw me off my schedule.