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

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

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

“As I was saying before I was interrupted,” Kimmel began his monologue in defiance.

From Salon

In the most interrupted qualifying session in F1 history, with a record six red flags as a result of a series of crashes in very difficult conditions, both McLaren drivers struggled.

From BBC

Manage notifications: if you archive a WhatsApp group you won't get interrupted every time there's a new message, and can catch up on new posts all together when you have time.

From BBC

Jackson, who at first refused to shake Smith’s hand after the incident, shook Smith’s hand after wrestlers there appeared to agree that Jackson would run into Smith’s scripted set and interrupt it.

From Los Angeles Times

A red flag because of a loose kerb interrupted proceedings for about 20 minutes, and limited the disadvantage that an engine problem could have inflicted on Piastri.

From BBC

Related Words

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