disorder

1 of 2

verb

dis·​or·​der (ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-dər How to pronounce disorder (audio)
(ˌ)diz-
disordered; disordering; disorders
Synonyms of disordernext

transitive verb

1
: to disturb the order of
2
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2

noun

1
: lack of order
clothes in disorder
2
: breach of the peace or public order
troubled times marked by social disorders
3
: an abnormal physical or mental condition
a liver disorder
a personality disorder

Synonyms

Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of disorder in a Sentence

Verb be careful not to disorder the carefully arranged contents of the dresser Noun The mayor is concerned that a rally could create public disorder. problems of crime and social disorder Millions of people suffer from some form of personality disorder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Next, the researchers looked at the relationship between the frequency of use of these apps and disordered eating, body image, and compulsive exercise. — New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025 But mimicking this behavior and expecting similar results could set young adults up for disappointment or disordered eating habits. — Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
There are over 100,000 people with the disorder in the U.S. and the condition causes a range of symptoms including blood clots and strokes and a resultant reduction in lifespan of 20 years on average. — Victoria Forster, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Aphasia is a condition that affects language and communication abilities, while FTD is a disorder that impacts behavior and cognitive functions. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disorder

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disorder was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing disorder

Rhymes for disorder

See All Rhymes for disorder

Browse Nearby Words

disorder
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Cite this Entry

“Disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disorder. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

disorder

1 of 2 verb
dis·​or·​der (ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər How to pronounce disorder (audio)
1
: to disturb the order of
2
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2 noun
1
: lack of order : a state or condition without order
clothes in disorder
2
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment

Medical Definition

disorder

1 of 2 transitive verb
dis·​or·​der (ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər, (ˈ)diz- How to pronounce disorder (audio)
disordered; disordering -ˈȯrd-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce disorder (audio)
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2 noun
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment
an intestinal disorder
a nervous disorder

More from Merriam-Webster on disorder

Nglish: Translation of disorder for Spanish Speakers

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