disarray

English

Etymology

From Middle English disareyen (to disarray), from Middle French desarroyer, from Old French desareer, from des- (dis-) + areer (to array).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /dɪsəˈɹeɪ/
  • Rhymes: -eɪ

Verb

disarray (third-person singular simple present disarrays, present participle disarraying, simple past and past participle disarrayed)

  1. (transitive) To throw into disorder; to break the array of.
    • Fenton
      Who with fiery steeds / Oft disarrayed the foes in battle ranged.
  2. (transitive) To take off the dress of; to unrobe.
    • Spenser
      So, as she bade, the witch they disarrayed.

Antonyms

Translations

Noun

disarray (uncountable)

  1. Lack of array or regular order; disorder; confusion.
    • 2012 April 15, Phil McNulty, “Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea”, in BBC:
      Tottenham pushed forward in an attempt to complete the recovery - but only succeeded in leaving themselves wide open to Chelsea's attacks and Redknapp's side ended in total disarray.
  2. Confused attire; undress; dishabille.

Synonyms

Translations

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