disorganize

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/dɪsˈɔːrɡəˌnaɪz/

Definitions

• To disrupt the systematic arrangement or order of something.
• To cause confusion or disorder in a system or group.
• To break down the organization or structure of something.

Usage Examples

• The sudden change in leadership disorganized the entire department.
• Natural disasters often disorganize community services.
• Frequent interruptions can disorganize a well-planned schedule.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix dis- (indicating reversal) and organize, which comes from the Medieval Latin organizare. First recorded in the late 18th century.

Synonyms

• Disrupt
• Disorder
• Confuse
• Derange
• Unsettle

Antonyms

• Organize
• Arrange
• Systematize
• Structure
• Coordinate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪsˈɔːɡənaɪz/
• American English: /dɪsˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

Historical Usage

The word has been used since the late 18th century, especially in political and military contexts, to describe the disruption of established systems or organizations.

Cultural Nuances

In political discourse, disorganize is often used to describe efforts to dismantle or destabilize social structures. It can also refer to mental confusion in psychological discussions.

More Information

Disorganize plays a key role in social and political upheavals, representing a lack of stability. In psychology, it is associated with cognitive disarray, particularly in conditions such as anxiety and schizophrenia.