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

National parks would close, environmental and food inspections would stop, researchers at the National Institutes of Health would not be able to admit new patients, and Internal Revenue Service tax help may be interrupted, among other effects. —Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025

But when sleep is interrupted, these repair cycles are shortened, leading to deficits in emotional regulation and cognitive performance. —Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025

Noun

Sheila, Wilson's campaign manager, interrupts breakfast with news of the two homicides at the Red Hook port. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

But Sandra, 19, interrupts, claiming to be Caio’s reincarnation. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for interrupt

• abrupt
• corrupt
• disrupt
• erupt
• cupped
• supped
• upped

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