disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: disrupting or tending to disrupt some process, activity, condition, etc. : causing or tending to cause disruption

a disruptive weather pattern

It is hoped that, if the child learns that disruptive behavior brings no rewards, his tantrums will diminish and perhaps stop.

—Susan Sheehan

In recent years, airlines began to carry plastic handcuffs as a way to restrain disruptive passengers.

—Erik Holm

Other teammates marvel at how easily he morphs from a mild-mannered family man in the locker room into a disruptive force on the field.

—Jefri Chadiha

disruptively adverb

acting disruptively

disruptiveness noun

… the disruptiveness of climatic change will depend strongly on the rate of change.

—Roger Revelle

Examples of disruptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aron Solomon is a legal analyst Jonathan S. Tobin—Yes The concept of governing by plebiscites can be disruptive and a waste of time and money. —David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025

Neighbors said Navarro and the male resident of the apartment where Portillo was found were disruptive and known to drink excessively and act rowdy. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025

Firstly, the forwards’ back pressure was ferocious, disruptive and a non-negotiable last season. —Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Even in its current form, generative AI is disruptive to business as usual. —Brian Solis, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: characterized by psychologically disorganized behavior

a confused, incoherent, and disruptive patient in the manic phase