disorder Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning
upset.
- the doctor prescribed some medicine for the disorder
- everyone gets stomach upsets from time to time
noun a condition in which things are not in their expected places
disorderliness.
- the files are in complete disorder
noun a disturbance of the peace or of public order
verb disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed
perturb; disquiet; distract; cark; trouble; unhinge.
- She was rather perturbed by the news that her father was seriously ill
verb bring disorder to
disarray.

Pref. dis- + order: cf. F. désordre.

Want of order or regular disposition; lack of arrangement; confusion; disarray; as, the troops were thrown into disorder; the papers are in disorder.
Neglect of order or system; irregularity.
From vulgar bounds with brave disorder part, And snatch a grace beyond the reach of art. Pope.
Breach of public order; disturbance of the peace of society; tumult. Shak.
Disturbance of the functions of the animal economy of the soul; sickness; derangement. "Disorder in the body." Locke. Syn. -- Irregularity; disarrangement; confusion; tumult; bustle; disturbance; disease; illness; indisposition; sickness; ailment; malady; distemper. See Disease.

imperfect & past participle Disordered ; present participle & verbal noun Disordering

To disturb the order of; to derange or disarrange; to throw into confusion; to confuse.
Disordering the whole frame or jurisprudence. Burke.

The burden . . . disordered the aids and auxiliary rafters into a common ruin. Jer. Taylor.
To disturb or interrupt the regular and natural functions of (either body or mind); to produce sickness or indisposition in; to discompose; to derange; as, to disorder the head or stomach.
A man whose judgment was so much disordered by party spirit. Macaulay.
To depose from holy orders. Obs. Dryden. Syn. -- To disarrange; derange; confuse; discompose.