# disrupt

/dɪsˈɹəpt/ (US) · /dɪsɹˈʌpt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disrupt
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to interrupt a process

verb · CEFR B2

to stop an event or system from continuing as planned.

For teachers: to interrupt the normal progress or activity of something by causing a disturbance.

- 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.

### 2. business innovation

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to change an industry by using new technology or ideas that replace old ways of doing things.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The loud noise will disrupt the meeting.
- Heavy snowfall began to disrupt the local train service, causing long delays for commuters.
- The startup aimed to disrupt the traditional taxi industry by introducing a mobile app that connected drivers directly with passengers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.