interrupt

1 of 2

verb

in·​ter·​rupt ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt 

interrupted; interrupting; interrupts

transitive verb

1

: to stop or hinder by breaking in

interrupted the speaker with frequent questions

2

: to break the uniformity or continuity of

a hot spell occasionally interrupted by a period of cool weather

intransitive verb

: to break in upon an action

especially : to break in with questions or remarks while another is speaking

interruptible

ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tə-bəl 

adjective

interruptive

ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tiv 

adverb

interrupt

2 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​rupt ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt 

ˈin-tə-ˌrəpt

: a feature of a computer that permits the temporary interruption of one activity (such as the execution of a program) in order to perform another

also : the interruption itself

Synonyms

Verb

• break in
• chime in
• chip in [chiefly British]
• cut in
• interpose
• intrude

Examples of interrupt in a Sentence

Verb

It's not polite to interrupt.

His dinner was interrupted by a phone call.

We interrupt this program to bring you a special announcement.

Every summer periods of cool weather occasionally interrupt the intense heat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are reminded people that calling 911 for non-emergencies can interrupt potentially lifesaving phone calls, especially on New Year's Eve. —Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Jan. 2025

Broadcasters interrupted their regular primetime programming — which that night included the Emmy Awards — to cover the deal. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024

Noun

The Tennessee constitution states that a county officer can be removed from office for malfeasance or neglect of duty for any wrongful conduct that affects, interrupts or interferes with the performance of official duty via an ouster. —Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 24 May 2024

Crack the fabric of your reality with a few interrupts to your regular thinking patterns. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere, from inter- + rumpere to break — more at reave

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1957, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

interrupt

verb

in·​ter·​rupt

ˌint-ə-ˈrəpt

1

: to stop or hinder by breaking in

interrupt a conversation

2

: to break the sameness or course of

a loud crash interrupted the silence

interrupter noun

interruption

-ˈrəp-shən

noun

interruptive

-ˈrəp-tiv

adjective

Etymology

Verb

Middle English interrupten "to interrupt," from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere "to interrupt," from inter- "between, among" and rumpere "to break" — related to rupture