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

"They're going to need me…" he said, interrupting the day's business.

Read more on BBC

But on this day, Elordi is g’daying people as they walk by, interrupting his thoughts to comment on a particularly good wave.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Although this year’s event was more sober than in the past, according to Kaczanowski, 31, police officers interrupted their field day after noticing some competitors were visibly drinking.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It was Napoleon who likely said, “Never interrupt your opponent while he is making a mistake.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But nobody planned for filming to be interrupted by the lengthy dual Hollywood strikes in 2023.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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