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

Far from sowing the seeds of stability and peace, the administration’s maneuvers are bolstering three of the most disruptive, destabilizing states in the region – in essence rewarding them for their recent histories of aggression and human rights abuses. —William Hartung, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

Pavitt says having too many abrasive treatments can be disruptive to the barrier, which would cause more harm down the line. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2024

At the time, Alexander looked like the Trojans’ best hope to bring a disruptive defensive presence to the Big Ten. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024

By contrast, the Biden administration has in recent years intervened to resolve potentially disruptive labor disputes. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024

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