interruption

noun

in·​ter·​rup·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-shən 

plural interruptions

1

: an act of interrupting something or someone or the state of being interrupted: such as

a

: a stoppage or hindering of an activity for a time

Our conversation continued without interruption for over an hour.

b

: a break in the continuity of something

Internet service interruptions

2

: something that causes a stoppage or break in the continuity of something

a rude interruption

watching television without commercial interruptions

Synonyms

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interim
• interlude
• intermission
• interregnum
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

Examples of interruption in a Sentence

an interruption in cable service during the lightning storm

a brief interruption in the discussion while we all got coffee

Recent Examples on the Web

Studies have shown that a typical task takes one third longer than undertaking the same task with no email interruptions. —Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

The synthesized voice was expressive and dynamic, imitating breath sounds, chuckles, interruptions, and even sometimes stumbling over words and correcting itself. —Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025

While Marshall at times spoke at length with few interruptions, at other moments, he was repeatedly questioned by audience members who expressed exasperation with some of his statements. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2025

This process ensures that all Skype chats and contacts are automatically available in Teams, allowing users to continue their communications without interruption. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption