interrupt

1 of 2

verb

in·​ter·​rupt ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt 

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

ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tə-bəl 

adjective

interruptive

ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tiv 

adverb

interrupt

2 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​rupt ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• break in
• chime in
• chip in [chiefly British]
• cut in
• interpose
• intrude

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

Verb

Netflix’s content budget is stabilizing after years of growth, interrupted by spending dips in 2020 as a result of COVID and in 2023 given the Hollywood actors and writers strikes. —Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 25 Apr. 2024

Only a few minutes later, a ponytailed young man walking through the park interrupted us to request a selfie with him. —Laura Rysman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024

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

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