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 of interruption

• 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

For people in early recovery, even temporary coverage interruptions can destabilize progress. —Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

The only interruption was a walk to Rodolfo Durán leading off the third inning. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026

Minor damage was also reported at Kona Hospital with no interruption of services, officials said. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 23 May 2026

Most organizations still treat disruption as an interruption. —Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption