disruption

/dɪsˈrʌpʃɪn/

/dɪsˈrʌpʃən/

Other forms: disruptions

A disruption is a major disturbance, something that changes your plans or interrupts some event or process. A screaming child on an airplane can be a disruption of the passengers' sleep.

A break in the action, especially an unplanned and confusing one, is a disruption. A sudden thunderstorm is an unwelcome disruption of an outdoor wedding ceremony, and a flat tire on an elaborate float will probably cause a parade disruption. When you disrupt something, you upset it or mess it up. In Latin disrupt means "broken into pieces," from dis, "apart," and rumpere, "to break."

Definitions of disruption

1. noun

   an act or event that causes a delay or break in an ongoing process or activity
   synonyms: break, gap, interruption

   types:

   cut-in, insert

   (film) a still picture that is introduced and that interrupts the action of a film

   cut-in, insert

   (broadcasting) a local announcement inserted into a network program

   interjection, interpellation, interpolation, interposition

   the action of interjecting or interposing an action or remark that interrupts

   abruption, breaking off

   an instance of sudden interruption

   barracking, heckling

   shouting to interrupt a speech with which you disagree

   type of:

   delay, holdup

   the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
2. noun

   an event that results in a displacement or discontinuity
   synonyms: dislocation

   type of:

   break

   some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity
3. noun

   the act of causing disorder
   synonyms: perturbation

   types:

   breakdown, dislocation

   the act of disrupting an established order so it fails to continue

   surprisal, surprise

   the act of surprising someone

   type of:

   disturbance

   the act of disturbing something or someone; setting something in motion
4. noun

   a disorderly outburst or tumult
   synonyms: commotion, disturbance, flutter, hoo-ha, hoo-hah, hurly burly, kerfuffle, to-do

   types:

   convulsion, turmoil, upheaval

   a violent disturbance

   earthquake

   a disturbance that is extremely disruptive

   incident

   a public disturbance

   splash, stir

   a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event

   maelstrom, storm, tempest

   a violent commotion or disturbance

   storm center, storm centre

   a center of trouble or disturbance

   garboil, tumult, tumultuousness, uproar, zoo

   a state of commotion and noise and confusion

   combustion

   a state of violent disturbance and excitement

   type of:

   disorder

   a disturbance of the peace or of public order