interrupt

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

verb (used with object)

1. to cause or make a break in the continuity or uniformity of (a course, process, condition, etc.).

   Synonyms: intermit

   Antonyms: continue

2. to break off or cause to cease, as in the middle of something:

   He interrupted his work to answer the bell.

   Antonyms: continue

3. 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?

   Synonyms: intermit

verb (used without object)

1. to cause a break or discontinuance; interfere with action or speech, especially by interjecting a remark:

   Please don't interrupt.

noun

1. 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.

interrupt

/ ˌɪntəˈrʌpt /

verb

1. to break the continuity of (an action, event, etc) or hinder (a person) by intrusion
2. tr to cease to perform (some action)
3. tr to obstruct (a view)
4. to prevent or disturb (a conversation, discussion, etc) by questions, interjections, or comment

noun

1. 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

Derived Forms

• ˌinterˈruptive, adjective
• ˌinterˈruptively, adverb
• ˌinterˈruptible, adjective

Other Words From

• 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of interrupt¹

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; inter-, rupture

Word History and Origins

Origin of interrupt¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

How can you protect yourself and interrupt the spread?

From Salon

Who were we, to interrupt this man’s reverie?

From Salon

To interrupt transmission, at least 90% of all children need to be given a minimum of two doses.

From BBC

It probably didn’t need to take that long except for the stream of people who would interrupt him to take a photo.

From Los Angeles Times

DePape also said he believed his government-appointed lawyers were conspiring against him, the AP reported, forcing the judge to interrupt him several times.

From BBC

Related Words

• break
• break off
• cut off
• cut short
• delay
• discontinue
• disturb
• halt
• heckle
• hinder
• hold up
• impede
• prevent
• punctuate
• stop
• suspend