disruptive
UK: dɪsˈrʌptɪv | US: dɪsˈrʌptɪv
adj. causing disruption or disorder
adj. (of innovation or technology) radically changing an industry or market
adj. interrupting the normal course of something
The word "disruptive" stems from Latin disrumpere ("to break apart"), combining dis- (apart) and rumpere (to break). The root rupt appears in many English words (e.g., "rupture," "interrupt"), retaining its core meaning of breaking. The suffix -ive turns the verb into an adjective, describing something that causes breaking or interruption. Originally used for physical disruption, it now commonly describes innovations that "break" traditional systems (e.g., "disruptive technology").
The loud construction noise was highly disruptive to the office workers.
Streaming services became a disruptive force in the entertainment industry.
His disruptive behavior in class led to a meeting with the principal.
Electric cars are seen as disruptive to the fossil fuel market.
The protest aimed to be disruptive but nonviolent.