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disruption

n.
US //dɪsˈɹəpʃən// UK //dɪsɹˈʌpʃən// dis·rup·tion
  1. 1 interruption of a process (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a situation where an activity or system is stopped from continuing normally.

    the act of preventing a system, process, or event from continuing as usual or as expected.

    Example

    The heavy snow caused a major disruption to the local train service this morning.

    Example

    The sudden strike by air traffic controllers led to widespread disruption across European flight networks, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
  2. 2 disorder or trouble (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    noisy or confused behavior that stops something from happening quietly or correctly.

    a state of disorder or a continuing act of social or institutional disturbance.

    Example

    The protesters were arrested for causing a disruption during the mayor's speech.

    Example

    The administration implemented strict security measures to prevent any further disruption of the academic proceedings by activist groups.
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  1. 3 business innovation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a big change in an industry caused by a new product or way of doing things.

    the process by which a smaller company with fewer resources is able to successfully challenge established incumbent businesses.

    Example

    The rise of streaming services caused a huge disruption in the traditional film industry.

    Example

    Economists argue that digital disruption is inevitable in sectors where legacy players fail to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'digital disruption'.
Origin

From Latin disruptionem, from disrumpere. By surface analysis, disrupt + -ion.

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