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interrupter

American  
[in-tuh-ruhp-ter] / ˌɪn təˈrʌp tər /
Or interruptor

noun

  1. a person or thing that interrupts.

  2. Electricity. a device for interrupting or periodically opening and closing a circuit, as in a doorbell.


interrupter British  
/ ˌɪntəˈrʌptə /

noun

  1. a person or thing that interrupts

  2. an electromechanical device for opening and closing an electric circuit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of interrupter

First recorded in 1505–15; interrupt + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

And as we’re questioning our long-held beliefs about “sink or swim” individualism and intellectual elitism, this is also an interrupter.

From Salon Apr. 5, 2026

He now is 48 and works to pacify street beefs before they turn deadly as a violence interrupter.

From Washington Times Oct. 20, 2022

Towers, who works as a violence interrupter, said he and his colleagues face significant challenges in building trust with these communities.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 20, 2022

We need to scale up violence interrupter, de-escalation, reentry and basic needs programs.

From Seattle Times Sep. 14, 2022

Over his shoulder he saw that the interrupter was Mrs. Shallop.

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

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