dis·ar·ray

[dis-uh-rey]
verb (used with object)
1.
to put out of array or order; throw into disorder.
2.
to undress.
noun
3.
disorder; confusion: The army retreated in disarray.
4.
disorder of apparel.
Origin:
1350–1400; (noun) late Middle English; Middle English disrai, d(e)rai < Anglo-French dissairay, Old French desaroi; (v.) Middle English disarayen < Anglo-French desaraier, Old French desareer; see dis-1, array

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To disarray
00:10
Disarray is one of our favorite verbs.
So is skedaddle. Does it mean:
to run away hurriedly; flee.
to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.
LEARN MORE FUN, UNUSUAL VERBS WITH WORD DYNAMO...
Collins
World English Dictionary
disarray (ˌdɪsəˈreɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n
1.  confusion, dismay, and lack of discipline
2.  (esp of clothing) disorderliness; untidiness
 
—vb
3.  to throw into confusion
4.  archaic to undress

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

disarray
late 14c., from dis- "lack of" (see dis-) + array.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Our online news editor finds the opposition in disarray.
While his work is a success, his personal life is in disarray.
Another reason for the great divide is franchises in seeming disarray.
Creative work is not an excuse for chaos, disarray or sloppiness in execution.
Partners:WordBloglinesCitysearchThe Daily BeastAsk AnswersAsk KidsLife123SendoriHome Advisor
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
About PRIVACY POLICY Terms API Careers Advertise with Us Contact Us Suggest a Word Help
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature
FAVORITES
RECENT