Disrupt
To interrupt or disturb the normal progress, functioning, or order of something; to break the flow of activity.
verbDisrupt
To interrupt or disturb the normal progress, functioning, or order of something; to break the flow of activity.
verbImagine This
Imagine a calm classroom lesson when a sudden loud alarm rings. The bell and announcements interrupt the teacher’s talk, and the orderly lesson is disrupted as students chatter and the planned activity cannot proceed.
Sounds Like
dihs-RUHPT
Looks Like
dis- + rupt (break); resembles the word interrupt in meaning because both refer to breaking a flow
Remember This
The root rupt means 'to break' (as in erupt, corrupt). Dis- means apart or away; together they mean to break apart or interrupt the flow.
Other Forms
Connect With
interrupt, disturb, disorder, derail, upend
Note
Disrupt implies a disturbance that interrupts ongoing flow or order, often with lasting effects; it’s stronger than simply interrupting a brief moment.