A "disrupting element" is something that causes a disturbance or interruption to a process or system. Synonyms that can be used to describe this phenomenon might include "obstacle," "hindrance," "interference," "interruption," or "disturbance." Other words that can be used include "disruptive force," "disruptor," "obstruction," "impediment," "barrier," "block," "inconvenience," or "nuisance." All of these words describe something that hinders progress or interferes with the normal functioning of something. To find the best word to describe a particular situation, it may be necessary to consider the context and the severity of the disruption being caused.