A semiconductor memory device and method of operation that is capable of reducing disturbance of adjacent word lines. A memory cell array includes a plurality of memory cells coupled to a plurality of word-lines and a plurality of bit-lines. A first word-line, which is selected in response to an access address received from the memory controller, is enabled in response to a first command received from a memory controller, and the first word-line is disabled internally in the semiconductor memory device or in response to a disable command received from the memory controller after a reference time interval elapses. The reference time interval starts from a first time point when the first command is applied to the semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to a time interval equal to or greater than a row active time interval of the semiconductor memory device.