interrupted

American  

[in-tuh-ruhp-tid] / ˌɪn təˈrʌp tɪd /

adjective

1. broken off or discontinuous.

   Even one night of interrupted sleep can affect your mood.

2. Botany. having an irregular or discontinuous arrangement, as of leaflets along a stem.

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Other Word Forms

• noninterrupted adjective
• noninterruptedly adverb
• noninterruptedness noun
• uninterrupted adjective
• uninterruptedly adverb
• uninterruptedness noun

Etymology

Origin of interrupted

First recorded in 1550–60; interrupt + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“Even milliseconds or seconds of interrupted blood flow to the brain can have serious consequences,” Dr. Altaf Saadi, a neurologist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, told us.

From Salon

“Mr. Pinkerton,” interrupted Detective Webster with a wide grin, “I think she’s perfect for the job.”

From Literature

Unlike my recent trips there this one wasn’t interrupted by mass demonstrations on behalf of persecuted Muslims.

From The Wall Street Journal

For many people across the Northern Hemisphere, like Rowe, this holiday season was interrupted by an unwanted visitor: influenza.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• broken
• delayed
• disrupted
• postponed