interrupt

American  

[in-tuh-ruhpt, in-tuh-ruhpt] / ˌɪn təˈrʌpt, ˈɪn təˌrʌpt /

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 British  

/ 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

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• interruptedly adverb
• interruptedness noun
• interruptible adjective
• interruptive adjective
• interruptively adverb
• noninterruptible adjective
• noninterruptive adjective
• reinterrupt verb
• self-interrupting adjective
• uninterruptible adjective
• uninterrupting adjective
• uninterruptive adjective

Etymology

Origin of interrupt

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; see inter-, rupture

Explanation

To interrupt someone is to interfere in their activity, disrupt their conversation, or to disturb their peace and quiet. Imagine you're watching reruns of Jeopardy! and your mom interrupts you, threatening to turn off the TV unless you take the trash out. Then your brother interrupts your peace and quiet by shouting answers — wrong answers — at the TV. A special weather bulletin then interrupts your "regularly scheduled program" with a severe thunderstorm warning. And, to complete the job, lightning causes an interrupt (now used as a noun) in the power grid and your electricity goes off.

Example Sentences

Napoleon reportedly said: “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Gulls managed to interrupt the BBC's interview with the Bank of England's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, whose signature appears on its banknotes.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Many of them display puzzling fluctuations in brightness, brief increases in light that interrupt the expected smooth curve and hint that complex processes are unfolding within the expanding debris.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

As a police truck approached and threatened to interrupt the clean-up effort, Maria stood in the street and blocked the way, hands on her hips in a pose of defiance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

“Better not interrupt her right now,” he said, and sighed.

From "Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones

Related Words

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