interrupt

[in-tuh-ruhpt, in-tuh-ruhpt]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause or make a break in the continuity or uniformity of (a course, process, condition, etc.).

   Synonyms: intermit
   Antonyms: continue

2. to break off or cause to cease, as in the middle of something.

   He interrupted his work to answer the bell.

   Antonyms: continue

3. to stop (a person) in the midst of doing or saying something, especially by an interjected remark.

   May I interrupt you to comment on your last remark?

   Synonyms: intermit

verb (used without object)

1. to cause a break or discontinuance; interfere with action or speech, especially by interjecting a remark.

   Please don't interrupt.

noun

1. Computers.,  a hardware signal that breaks the flow of program execution and transfers control to a predetermined storage location so that another procedure can be followed or a new operation carried out.

interrupt

/ ˌɪntəˈrʌpt /

verb

1. to break the continuity of (an action, event, etc) or hinder (a person) by intrusion

2. (tr) to cease to perform (some action)

3. (tr) to obstruct (a view)

4. to prevent or disturb (a conversation, discussion, etc) by questions, interjections, or comment

noun

1. the signal to initiate the stopping of the running of one computer program in order to run another, after which the running of the original program is usually continued

Other Word Forms

• interruptedly adverb
• interruptedness noun
• interruptible adjective
• interruptive adjective
• noninterruptible adjective
• noninterruptive adjective
• reinterrupt verb
• self-interrupting adjective
• uninterruptible adjective
• uninterrupting adjective
• uninterruptive adjective
• interruptively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of interrupt¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English interrupten, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere “to break apart,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + rup-, variant stem of rumpere “to burst” + -tus past participle suffix; inter-, rupture

Word History and Origins

Origin of interrupt¹

C15: from Latin interrumpere , from _inter- + rumpere to break

Synonym Study

Interrupt, discontinue, suspend imply breaking off something temporarily or permanently. Interrupt may have either meaning: to interrupt a meeting. To discontinue is to stop or leave off, often permanently: to discontinue a building program. To suspend is to break off relations, operations, proceedings, privileges, etc., for a certain period of time, usually with the stipulation that they will be resumed at a stated time: to suspend operations during a strike.

Example Sentences

The former vice president was often interrupted by protesters during campaign events and the uncommitted movement, a progressive protest campaign aimed at achieving a ceasefire, ultimately decided not to endorse her.

From Salon

The match was not interrupted once it got under way, but a wet outfield made fielding conditions extremely difficult.

From BBC

“Fifty-five bags of trash,” interrupted Mather, leaning across the table to announce the morning haul.

From Los Angeles Times

Funding local community intervention programs that interrupt cycles of violence before they escalate.

From Salon

In 2023, two protesters from environmental campaign group Just Stop Oil interrupted the First Night of the Proms after targeting a number of other events.

From BBC

Related Words

• break 
• break off 
• cut off 
• cut short 
• delay 
• discontinue 
• disturb 
• halt 
• heckle 
• hinder 
• hold up 
• impede 
• prevent 
• punctuate 
• stop 
• suspend