disrupt
UK: dɪsˈrʌpt | US: dɪsˈrʌpt
vt. to interrupt or cause disorder in a process or system
vt. to drastically alter or destroy the structure of something
adj. (rare) characterized by causing disruption
The word "disrupt" originates from Latin disrumpere ("to break apart"), combining dis- (indicating separation) and rumpere ("to break"). The morpheme rupt appears in many English words (e.g., "rupture," "interrupt") and consistently conveys the idea of breaking. Over time, "disrupt" evolved from its literal sense of physical breaking to metaphorical interruptions, especially in contexts like technology or social systems.
The protest disrupted traffic in the city center.
New technologies often disrupt traditional industries.
The loud noise disrupted my concentration.
The company aims to disrupt the market with its innovative product.
A power outage disrupted the live broadcast.