disrupt
interrupt or disturb normal activity
To stop or slow down something so it cannot continue in a normal, smooth way.
to disrupt [an event/service/activities]
- Heavy snow disrupted train services across the region.
- The protestors disrupted the conference by shouting over the speakers.
- A power cut disrupted production at the factory for several hours.
- Construction noise is disrupting my sleep every night.
- Internet problems disrupted the live online class.
- The storm disrupted our flight.
- Loud music disrupted the meeting.
- A broken pipe disrupted water service to the building.
- The fire alarm disrupted the exam.
- Road work disrupted traffic all morning.
damage or destabilize a system
To damage or change a system so it does not work in its normal way.
to disrupt [a system/process/organization]
- Climate change is disrupting weather patterns around the globe.
- The cyberattack disrupted critical hospital systems for hours.
- Rapid urban growth is disrupting local ecosystems.
- New regulations could disrupt the current power balance within the organization.
- Plastic waste is disrupting marine food chains.
- The virus disrupted normal body functions.
- The war disrupted the country’s economy.
- Online shopping has disrupted traditional business systems.
- Pollution is disrupting life in the river.
- A software bug disrupted the whole computer network.
radically change a market or industry
To bring a new product or idea that changes an industry and takes customers from old companies.
to disrupt [a market/an industry/the status quo]
- Streaming services have disrupted the traditional television industry.
- The startup aims to disrupt the banking market with its mobile-only platform.
- Cheap ride-hailing apps disrupted the local taxi industry.
- Their new payment system has the potential to disrupt global finance.
- Several tech companies are trying to disrupt the status quo in healthcare.
- Smartphones disrupted the phone market.
- Online video disrupted DVD sales.
- The company wants to disrupt the hotel industry.
- A new app could disrupt food delivery services.
- Low-cost airlines disrupted the air travel market.
- Base: disrupt
- 3rd Person Singular: disrupts
- Present Participle: disrupting
- Past: disrupted
disrupt an industry
5radically change an industry
To change the normal way an industry works by bringing in a new idea or technology.
- Several startups are trying to disrupt the banking industry.
- Online learning platforms are disrupting the education industry.
disrupt class
3interrupt a lesson or class
To behave in a way that stops a lesson from continuing in a normal way.
- Students who disrupt class may be asked to leave.
- Please don’t disrupt class by talking while the teacher is speaking.
disrupt operations
1interrupt normal business activities
To stop or slow a company’s normal work and processes.
- The fire did not disrupt operations at the main plant.
- Even a short power cut can disrupt operations in a data center.
disrupt services
2interrupt public or private services
To stop or reduce normal services, like buses, trains, or phone service.
- Flooding has disrupted services on several train lines.
- Technical problems disrupted services for mobile phone users nationwide.
disrupt the market
4radically change a market
To bring a new product or way of doing business that changes how a market works and hurts old companies.
- The company hopes its new electric car will disrupt the market.
- Streaming platforms disrupted the market for DVDs and cable TV.
disrupt the status quo
6change the existing situation
To cause big changes in a situation that has stayed the same for a long time.
- The new policy is designed to disrupt the status quo in the company.
- Young politicians are promising to disrupt the status quo in national politics.