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

Our conversation is interrupted by a passing patrol car.

From BBC

The biggest lesson he learned: “What does Chad want to do?” he dryly cackles, before interrupting himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Two years after this, the UN raised concerns about repeated disruption of the water supply from Alouk to north-east Syria, saying the water supply had been interrupted at least 19 times.

From BBC

“We’ll figure it out after that. But, you know, the whims of my life shouldn’t interrupt hers.”

From Los Angeles Times

Before she could say more, a woman officer interrupted sharply, "Have you transferred any money?"

From BBC

Related Words

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