Verbs for Disruption

to restrict or reduce the normal activity or function of something

The brake system is designed to inhibit the movement of the vehicle when applied.

the raised edge at the side of a street, usually made of stone

The city installed a new curb to improve pedestrian safety.

to consciously control the expression of emotions, desires, or behavior

She recently suppressed her laughter during the serious meeting.

to stop the expression of thoughts, feelings, or actions

He had to repress his anger when his team lost the game.

to limit or stop something from moving or progressing freely

The traffic jam cramped our journey to the airport.

to create obstacles or difficulties that prevent progress, movement, or success

The heavy rain hindered our plans for a picnic.

to make something move or operate more slowly

Adding friction to the machine's gears will retard its motion.

to create difficulty or obstacles that make it hard for something to happen or progress

The heavy traffic impeded our journey to the airport.

to keep something bad under control in order to prevent deterioration or to slow down its spread or development

He wrapped a bandage tightly around his sprained ankle to check the swelling.

to gradually decrease the effectiveness, confidence, or power of something or someone

Skipping maintenance checks might undermine the long-term reliability of the equipment.

to prevent something from moving or progressing

The heavy rain hampered our plans for a picnic.

to stop or slow down the development or growth of something

Lack of sunlight can stunt the growth of plants.

to stop the normal flow of something, often temporarily

The unexpected power outage disrupted the entire office.

to stop or catch before reaching intended destination

The security team intercepted a suspicious package at the airport, preventing a potential threat.

to attempt to manipulate or persuade someone, often in an unethical or unlawful manner

The politician was accused of tampering with the jury to influence the trial's outcome.

to trouble someone and make them uneasy

The unsettling images in the movie disturbed him for days afterward.

to make something uncertain by introducing changes that disrupt its stability

Personal conflicts within a team can destabilize its cohesion.

to make someone or something in power lose their position

The scandal brought the CEO down from their high position.

to intentionally damage or undermine something, often for personal gain or as an act of protest or revenge

The disgruntled employee attempted to sabotage the company's computer system.

to cause the downfall of authority figures or rulers

The rebel group sought to subvert the ruling government.

a table with a narrow horizontal surface over which goods are put or people are served

The cashier stood behind the counter.

to act against something in order to reduce its effect

Drinking plenty of water can help counteract the dehydrating effects of caffeine.

to compensate for the effects of something through appropriate actions or measures

Planting trees can help offset carbon emissions in the environment.

to take action to counter the effects of something

In response to the cyberattack, the IT team worked to neutralize the malicious software and protect the company's data.

to oppose or resist someone or something

Many citizens went against the government's policies by participating in protests.

a fight between different military forces during a war

The soldiers were trained for combat in harsh environments.

to resist or defend oneself against an attack or challenge, often by taking action to counter the aggression or difficulty

Despite the challenges, she decided to fight back and overcome the obstacles in her path.