disrupt
To stop something from happening in the normal way or to cause a problem that interrupts a process. It is often used when an event or a system is forced to change its usual flow.
Examples
3 of 5The loud construction noise will disrupt the students during their exam.
The loud construction noise will disrupt the students during their exam.
The unexpected storm may disrupt international flight schedules for several days.
The unexpected storm may disrupt international flight schedules for several days.
Don't disrupt me while I am trying to finish this level of my game.
Don't disrupt me while I am trying to finish this level of my game.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'rupt' which means 'break' (like a volcano eruption). When you disrupt something, you are breaking the normal flow.
Quick Quiz
The heavy rain will likely _______ the outdoor concert tonight.
Correct!
The correct answer is: disrupt
Examples
The loud construction noise will disrupt the students during their exam.
everydayThe loud construction noise will disrupt the students during their exam.
The unexpected storm may disrupt international flight schedules for several days.
formalThe unexpected storm may disrupt international flight schedules for several days.
Don't disrupt me while I am trying to finish this level of my game.
informalDon't disrupt me while I am trying to finish this level of my game.
The introduction of invasive species can heavily disrupt the local ecosystem.
academicThe introduction of invasive species can heavily disrupt the local ecosystem.
Our company aims to disrupt the mobile industry with this new technology.
businessOur company aims to disrupt the mobile industry with this new technology.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
disrupt the status quo
disrupt the status quo
disruptive technology
disruptive technology
disrupt the flow
disrupt the flow
Often Confused With
Interrupt is usually used for stopping a conversation or a short action, while disrupt refers to stopping a larger process or system.
Disturb is often about bothering someone's peace or mental state, whereas disrupt is about breaking the order of an event.
Usage Notes
Use 'disrupt' when you want to describe a significant break in how a system or event is supposed to work. In business, it is often used positively to describe innovation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'disrupt' to mean 'annoy'. While related, disrupt specifically requires an action or process to be stopped or changed.
Memory Tip
Think of the root 'rupt' which means 'break' (like a volcano eruption). When you disrupt something, you are breaking the normal flow.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'disruptus', which means 'broken apart'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern tech culture, 'disrupt' is a buzzword meaning to change an industry completely using new ideas.
Quick Quiz
The heavy rain will likely _______ the outdoor concert tonight.
Correct!
The correct answer is: disrupt
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