Main Entry:

¹in·ter·rupt

Pronunciation:

\ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere, from inter- + rumpere to break — more at reave

Date:

15th century

transitive verb1: 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

— in·ter·rupt·ible \-ˈrəp-tə-bəl\ adjective

— in·ter·rup·tion \-ˈrəp-shən\ noun

— in·ter·rup·tive \-ˈrəp-tiv\ adverb