disrupt
To interrupt or cause disorder in a process
Examples
In a meeting
“The system outage will disrupt operations for several hours.”
Over coffee
“I don't want to disrupt your dinner, but can I ask a quick question?”
Why this word
interrupt
disrupt implies a more forceful breaking of continuity or order, while interrupt suggests a temporary pause
disturb
disrupt emphasizes structural breakdown or interference with a system, while disturb is vaguer about the type of interference
break
disrupt specifically refers to breaking flow or function, while break is too general and could mean physical destruction
Usage tip
Use when something interrupts normal flow or causes significant change
Etymology
Latin 'disruptus' from 'disrumpere' (to break apart) from 'dis-' (apart) + 'rumpere' (break)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
revamp
To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to something.
deteriorate
To become progressively worse over time.
pivot
Change direction or strategy while maintaining a central focus
backtrack
To reverse a previous decision or statement
revert
To return to a previous state or practice
proliferate
To increase rapidly in number; multiply