definitions

interrupt

[ verb in-tuh-ruhpt; noun in-tuh-ruhpt ]
/ verb ˌɪn təˈrʌpt; noun ˈɪn təˌrʌpt /
|

verb (used with object)

to cause or make a break in the continuity or uniformity of (a course, process, condition, etc.).
to break off or cause to cease, as in the middle of something: He interrupted his work to answer the bell.
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?

verb (used without object)

to cause a break or discontinuance; interfere with action or speech, especially by interjecting a remark: Please don't interrupt.

noun

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.

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Nearby words

interrogative sentence, interrogator, interrogator-responsor, interrogatories, interrogatory, interrupt, interrupted, interrupted fern, interrupted screw, interrupted suture, interrupter

Origin of interrupt

1375–1425; late Middle English interrupten < Latin interruptus past participle of interrumpere to break apart, equivalent to inter- inter- + rup-, variant stem of rumpere to burst + -tus past participle suffix; see rupture

SYNONYMS FOR interrupt

1, 3 intermit. 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.

ANTONYMS FOR interrupt

1, 2 continue.

Related forms

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for interruptible

interrupt

/ (ˌɪntəˈrʌpt) /

verb

to break the continuity of (an action, event, etc) or hinder (a person) by intrusion
(tr) to cease to perform (some action)
(tr) to obstruct (a view)
to prevent or disturb (a conversation, discussion, etc) by questions, interjections, or comment

noun

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

Derived Forms

interruptible, adjectiveinterruptive, adjectiveinterruptively, adverb

Word Origin for interrupt

C15: from Latin interrumpere, from inter- + rumpere to break
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