Disrupt
/dɪsˈrʌpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo interrupt or impede the progress, movement, or function of something.
/dɪsˈrʌpt/
To cause a disturbance or problem that interrupts an event, activity, or process.
The construction work disrupted our sleep.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to watch a movie, but the internet keeps cutting out. That cutting out is a disruption! It's like a hiccup in the normal process. When things are disrupted, they're made to stop or to not go as planned. For example, a loud car alarm might disrupt your study time.
👶 For kids: To mess up something so it doesn't work the way it should.
More Examples
The unexpected announcement disrupted the flow of the conference.
New technologies often disrupt traditional markets.
How It's Used
"New technologies often disrupt established industries."
"The power outage disrupted the online meeting."
"The protest disrupted the city's traffic flow."
To fundamentally change or transform an industry or market by introducing a new business model, product, or service that undermines or replaces existing ones.
/dɪsˈrʌpt/
To cause significant change or innovation in an industry or market, often by introducing new products or services.
The company aimed to disrupt the traditional banking system.
💡 Simply: Imagine a company coming up with a completely new way to do something that's so much better than what everyone else is doing. That's disrupting the market! It's like when Netflix came along and changed how we watch movies by streaming them instead of renting DVDs.
👶 For kids: To change something in a big way so it's different and maybe better.
More Examples
The new software is designed to disrupt existing workflows.
His innovative approach is disrupting the status quo.
How It's Used
"Tesla has disrupted the automotive industry with its electric vehicles."
"Cloud computing is disrupting traditional IT infrastructure."
"The internet has disrupted many established business models."
Idioms & expressions
disrupt the peace
To disturb or break the tranquility or order of a place or situation, often by causing noise, commotion, or conflict.
"The protesters were accused of disrupting the peace with their demonstrations."
market disruptor
A company, product, or service that changes the way a market operates by introducing new innovations and often challenging existing leaders.
"Tesla is considered a market disruptor in the automotive industry."
From Latin *disrumpere* 'to break apart', from *dis-* 'apart' + *rumpere* 'to break'.
The word 'disrupt' has been used since the 17th century, initially with a more general meaning of breaking or bursting apart. Its usage expanded in the 20th century, particularly in business and technology.
Memory tip
Think of a sudden RUPTure that breaks apart the usual flow.