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Definitions

disrupt

[dis-ruhpt] / dɪsˈrʌpt /
VERB
upset, disorganize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disturb rattle
STRONG
agitate bollix confuse disarray discombobulate discompose disorder muddle rummage shake spoil throw unsettle
WEAK
mess up mix up muck up muddy the waters psych out put off rattle one's cage screw up upset the apple cart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appease soothe
STRONG
calm clear up compose enlighten explain help order organize
WEAK
arrange ready
VERB
break, interrupt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
breach break into obstruct
STRONG
fracture hole intrude open rupture unsettle upset
WEAK
break up interfere with
Antonyms
STRONG
close order
WEAK
arrange organize ready

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hanging over the sector is the fear of product announcements from Anthropic and rivals, which suggest to some investors that new AI tools may disrupt software business models.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Even though Tucker didn’t disrupt the auto business, a new wave of upstarts did just that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In animal studies, mice with genetic changes that disrupt this receptor developed low bone density early in life, closely resembling osteoporosis in humans.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

Tech companies are contending with the rise of artificial intelligence, which could disrupt the way people shop.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

But—and this is one of the lessons I tried very hard to impart in Blink—it is easy to disrupt this gift.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell