English · Work & Business

disrupt

/dɪsˈrʌpt/

[/dɪsˈrʌpt/]

to radically change

Advancedverb

Definition

To disrupt is to interrupt or radically change the normal way something works. In business talks it describes new ideas that overturn an industry.

Example

Streaming services disrupted the entire music industry.

Streaming services disrupted the entire music industry.

Etymology

From Latin 'disrumpere', meaning to break apart.

How & Where It’s Used

A buzzword in startup and innovation talks for overturning the status quo.

Watch “to radically change” pronunciation on YouTube
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