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

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interim
• interlude
• intermission
• interregnum
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

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

Van Morrison was the other veteran afforded the luxury of being able to headline three songs in a row without interruption, mid-show. —Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Oct. 2024

Country music star Brantley Gilbert made an impromptu interruption to his concert Friday night – disappearing off stage to help his pregnant wife deliver their baby on the tour bus. —Caroline Frost, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2024

Let your investment portfolio compound without interruption over the long term. Follow me on LinkedIn. —Eric Roberge, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Roadside assistance: Allstate offers several tiers — the Roadside Advantage plan comes with tire and wheel repair/replacement and $1,500 in trip interruption protection Trip interruption: Pays up to $500 for food, lodging and other costs if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home. —Brian Sloan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1