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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.

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

Three important adjuncts of the induction coil are the primary condenser, the interrupter and the primary key.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose