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disrupted
/dɪsˈrʌptɪd/
interrupted or disturbed
The storm disrupted the power supply for several hours.
The storm caused a temporary interruption in the electricity service.
formal
interrupted or prevented from continuing normally
The protest disrupted the traffic in the city center.
The protest caused traffic to stop moving normally.
A technical issue disrupted the live broadcast.
A technical problem interrupted the ongoing live transmission.
Often used to describe systems, processes, or events that are forcibly interrupted or altered.
Collocations
disruptive behavioractions that interrupt normal functioningdisruptive technologyinnovations that significantly alter existing markets or industriesdisrupt the peaceto disturb public order or tranquility
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'disruptive'
'Disrupted' is the past participle of 'disrupt', while 'disruptive' is an adjective meaning causing disruption. They are related but used differently.
Gold Rule
Use 'disrupted' for sudden interruptions
Prefer 'disrupted' when describing events that happen abruptly and forcibly, rather than gradually or naturally.
Word Origin
From Latin *disruptus*, past participle of *disrumpere* (to break apart), from *dis-* (apart) + *rumpere* (to break). First recorded in English in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In modern usage, it often implies a sudden or violent interruption rather than a gradual one.
Word Breakdown
dis-
prefix meaning 'apart' or 'not'
prefix-rupt-
root meaning 'to break'
root-ed
past participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary