Word
disrupt
Phoneticsdis·rupt, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈɹəpt/
UK/dɪsɹˈʌpt/
Definitions
01to interrupt a process
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to stop an event or system from continuing as planned.
v. to interrupt the normal progress or activity of something by causing a disturbance.
Español:disrumpir
“The heavy snow began to disrupt train services across the country.”
“Protesters managed to disrupt the conference for several hours, forcing the keynote speaker to wait until security could clear the hall.”
Usage
This is a transitive verb that requires a direct object, such as a process, meeting, or system.
Antonyms
02business innovation
C1 · Advanced Computing Academic
v. to change an industry by using new technology or ideas that replace old ways of doing things.
v. to radically change an industry or market by introducing a product or service that creates a new value network.
“New smartphone apps continue to disrupt the traditional taxi industry.”
“The startup aimed to disrupt the global logistics sector by introducing an autonomous delivery system that bypassed traditional sorting hubs.”
Usage
Often used in the context of 'disruptive technology' or 'disrupting the market'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disrupt” in context.
Verb
01. disrupt the flow
“Constant interruptions during the meeting disrupted the flow of ideas.”
verb + noun
02. disrupt the status quo
“Innovative startups often aim to disrupt the status quo in traditional industries.”
verb + noun
03. disrupt the supply chain
“The global pandemic disrupted the supply chain for electronic components.”
verb + noun
04. threaten to disrupt
“The impending strike threatens to disrupt holiday travel plans across the country.”
verb + infinitive
Noun
05. attempt to disrupt
“Security forces foiled an attempt to disrupt the national elections.”
noun + infinitive
06. potential to disrupt
“New AI technologies have the potential to disrupt the entire job market.”
noun + infinitive
Adverb
07. seriously disrupt
“Protesters managed to seriously disrupt the international summit.”
adv + verb
08. severely disrupt
“The heavy snowfall severely disrupted the city's transport network for several days.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“Researchers worry round goby could outcompete this and other native fish for food and further disrupt inland freshwater ecosystems.” “For the more than three million people in the UK working night shifts, and who have little choice but to disrupt their sleep, this may all sound worrying.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin disruptus, from disrumpo, commonly dirumpo (“to break or burst asunder”), from dis-, di- (“apart, asunder”) + rumpo (“to break”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/disrupt
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0