disorder definition

1. Want of order or regular disposition; lack of arrangement; confusion; disarray; as, the troops were thrown into disorder; the papers are in disorder.

2. Neglect of order or system; irregularity. "From vulgar bounds with brave disorder part, And snatch a grace beyond the reach of art." (Pope)

3. Breach of public order; disturbance of the peace of society; tumult.

4. Disturbance of the functions of the animal economy of the soul; sickness; derangement. "Disorder in the body."

Synonyms: Irregularity, disarrangement, confusion, tumult, bustle, disturbance, disease, illness, indisposition, sickness, ailment, malady, distemper. See Disease.

Origin: Pref. Dis- + order: cf. F. Desordre.

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. To depose from holy orders.

Synonyms: To disarrange, derange, confuse, discompose.

Origin: Disordered; Disordering.

(01 Mar 1998)