interrupt

1 of 2

verb

in·​ter·​rupt ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt How to pronounce interrupt (audio)
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 adjective
interruptive adverb

interrupt

2 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​rupt ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt How to pronounce interrupt (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for interrupt

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of interrupt was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrupt. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on interrupt

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