disrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disrupt' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that interrupts, interferes with, or hinders the normal course of something, or something that causes a significant change in something. For example, "The proposed policy will disrupt existing processes and procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our new communications data legislation will strengthen our ability to disrupt terrorist plots, criminal networks and organised child grooming gangs, even as technology develops.

The Guardian

Wikipedia says that "sock-puppetry" – creating a fake online identity "for an improper purpose, such as to mislead other editors, disrupt discussions, distort consensus or avoid sanctions" – is not permitted.

The Guardian

Collaery, who is one of a team of lawyers representing Timor-Leste in the international arbitration, has argued the raids were a deliberate effort by the Australian government to disrupt the proceedings, in which Timor-Leste alleges that in 2004 Australia improperly spied on the Timorese during treaty negotiations in order to extract a commercial benefit.

The Guardian

The upper echelons of the Brotherhood's leadership have been decimated by the crackdown, as the Egyptian authorities pursue a "decapitation strategy" that aims to disrupt the structure of the organisation.

The Guardian

Russia is opposed to Moldova's EU aspirations, and may try to use the Transnistrian conflict to disrupt integration plans.

The Guardian

They disrupt Taliban supply lines, search for caches of explosives, clear the roads of land mines.

The New York Times

Hundreds of environmental activists were on a secret "blacklist" used by construction firms in an attempt to disrupt high-profile protests against road building and other developments.

The Guardian - Business

Its members don't discuss plans on the telephone or give away details, out of fear that the security services will disrupt the project.

The Guardian

Fears remain about the safety of voters on polling day, after a spate of suicide attacks in the north in recent weeks and after Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, vowed to disrupt the election.

The Guardian

Channel 4, and the rest of the industry, will be waiting to see whether the new government wants to protect or disrupt that ecological balance.

The Guardian

"Let us not disrupt a process which has ended peacefully and which we will conclude in a few hours," Jega said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "disrupt" when a milder term like "interrupt" or "disturb" is more appropriate, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Be cautious of using "disrupt" excessively in business contexts. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound cliché. Consider alternatives that better convey the specific nuance you intend.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disrupt" is as a verb. It signifies the action of interrupting, interfering with, or throwing something into disorder. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to describe interrupting events or processes, and causing significant change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disrupt" is a versatile verb commonly used to describe the act of interrupting or interfering with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While it is often used to describe innovation, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates whether the disruption is positive or negative. Alternatives such as "interrupt", "impede", and "revolutionize" can provide more specific nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupt

Focuses on temporarily halting or breaking the flow of something.

impede

Highlights the act of hindering or obstructing progress.

hinder

Emphasizes creating difficulties or obstacles.

obstruct

Suggests blocking or preventing movement or progress.

disturb

Indicates causing a disruption or lack of peace.

derange

Implies throwing something into disorder or disarray.

confound

Suggests causing confusion or bewilderment.

revolutionize

Focuses on causing a fundamental change or transformation.

transform

Indicates changing the form or appearance of something.

innovate

Emphasizes introducing something new or original that changes the status quo.

FAQs

How can I use "disrupt" in a sentence?

You can use "disrupt" to describe interrupting something, like "The protest "disrupted" the meeting". It can also describe innovative changes, such as "Technology continues to "disrupt" traditional industries".

What can I say instead of "disrupt"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "disrupt" include "interrupt", "hinder", "disturb", or "revolutionize".

Is it correct to use "disrupt" in a business context?

Yes, it is correct, especially when referring to innovative changes. However, ensure the context is clear and the usage is not excessive. Consider using more specific terms when appropriate.

What is the difference between "disrupt" and "disturb"?

"Disrupt" often implies a more significant or transformative interruption than "disturb". "Disturb" usually refers to a temporary or minor interruption, while "disrupt" can suggest a fundamental change or disorder.