interrupt

[ verb in-tuh-ruhpt; noun in-tuh-ruhpt ]

See synonyms for: interrupt interrupted interrupting on Thesaurus.com

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.

Origin of interrupt

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English interrupten, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere “to break apart,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + rup-, variant stem of rumpere “to burst” + -tus past participle suffix; see inter-, rupture

synonym study For interrupt

1, 3. 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.

Other words for interrupt

1, 3

intermit

See synonyms for interrupt on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for interrupt

1, 2

continue

See antonyms for interrupt on Thesaurus.com

Other words from interrupt

in·ter·rupt·ed·ly, adverb
in·ter·rupt·ed·ness, noun
in·ter·rupt·i·ble, adjective
in·ter·rup·tive, adjective
non·in·ter·rupt·i·ble, adjective
non·in·ter·rup·tive, adjective
re·in·ter·rupt, verb
self-in·ter·rupt·ing, adjective
un·in·ter·rupt·i·ble, adjective
un·in·ter·rupt·ing, adjective
un·in·ter·rup·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use interrupt in a sentence

Johnson gave an impromptu press conference during Hamer's speech, interrupting her televised testimony.
Remembering Civil Rights Heroine Fannie Lou Hamer: 'I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired' | Lottie L. Joiner | September 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“My time has expired, and I have lost my patience with you,” Issa said, interrupting Koskinen.
House Republicans Take on John Koskinen: Scenes From an IRS Sideshow | Tim Mak | June 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Over green tea, Than Gyi told us about her village, interrupting herself frequently to stare at us and laugh.
A Little Too Off the Beaten Path in Burma | Katya Cengel | June 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Another mass shooting has taken the lives of innocent kids, interrupting Benghazi coverage on Fox News.
How The NRA Will Get You the Sexy Girl and Give You Your Schwerve Back | Cliff Schecter | May 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
It smells like…” she begins, with Giamatti interrupting: “Jasmine.
‘Saving Mr. Banks’ Is This Oscar Season’s Breath of Fresh Air | Kevin Fallon | December 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

He apologized for interrupting their tête-à-tête, but said he had no choice, as the saloon was completely full.
Bella Donna | Robert Hichens
"'Cite can do it as well as I; it is really her business," she explained to Edna, who apologized for interrupting her.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate Chopin
It aids conversation by occasionally interrupting it for a short period, to be renewed with a new impetus.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness | Florence Hartley
His piety, however, does not prevent him from interrupting his prayer to swear at the men most vigorously.
Frdric Mistral | Charles Alfred Downer
As we sat there, we heard noises, not very harmonious, interrupting the song of the salmon-fishers.
Mrs. Falchion, Complete | Gilbert Parker

British Dictionary definitions for interrupt

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

Origin of interrupt

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

Derived forms of interrupt

interruptible, adjective
interruptive, adjective
interruptively, adverb

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

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