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,
- interrupted,
- interrupted fern,
- interrupted screw,
- interrupted suture,
- interrupter
Origin of interrupt
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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
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
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper