disarray

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.

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.