Definition of the word disruptor

The term "disruptor" originated in the 1990s in the business and finance industry, particularly in the context of venture capital and entrepreneurship. It referred to a company or individual that creates a new business model, product, or service that significantly changes the existing market or industry. The term was popularized by Clayton Christensen's book "The Innovator's Dilemma" (1997), which introduced the concept of "disruptive innovation." Since then, the term has gained widespread use, particularly in the tech industry, to describe companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Netflix that have disrupted traditional industries by offering new and innovative solutions. Today, "disruptor" is often used to describe innovators who challenge the status quo and create new opportunities through bold and unconventional approaches.