interrupt

American  

[in-tuh-ruhpt, in-tuh-ruhpt] / ˌɪn təˈrʌpt, ˈɪn təˌrʌpt /

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of interrupt

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

Example Sentences

While this week’s trading action was relatively light, and interrupted by the New Year’s Day holiday, investors nevertheless continued to rotate out of many stocks that powered 2025’s gains.

From The Wall Street Journal

Big Tech’s artificial-intelligence push continues to drive profit growth, and nothing has interrupted that ride yet.

From Barron's

Big Tech’s artificial-intelligence push continues to drive profit growth, and nothing has interrupted that ride yet.

From Barron's

The score has a military subtext—trumpets and drums are always interrupting happy scenes, and an ominous horn theme plays a major role.

From The Wall Street Journal

This period marked a sudden and unusual return to near ice-age conditions that lasted roughly a thousand years, interrupting an overall warming trend following the Last Glacial Period.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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