interruption

noun

in·​ter·​rup·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-shən 

plural interruptions

1

: an act of interrupting something or someone or the state of being interrupted: such as

a

: a stoppage or hindering of an activity for a time

Our conversation continued without interruption for over an hour.

b

: a break in the continuity of something

Internet service interruptions

2

: something that causes a stoppage or break in the continuity of something

a rude interruption

watching television without commercial interruptions

Synonyms

• interval
• hiatus
• pause
• gap

Examples of interruption in a Sentence

an interruption in cable service during the lightning storm

a brief interruption in the discussion while we all got coffee

Recent Examples on the Web

Needless to say, Ben Shelton (who ended up winning the men’s event) and his opponent Karen Khachanov were bemused by the interruption. —Max Gao, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025

And the interruption was quickly overshadowed by the celebration that followed, Fleetwood's emotional reaction after the win. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025

My partner complained about the constant interruptions. —Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025

Indeed, noise interruptions, bright lights and uncomfortable temperatures can all fragment sleep. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption