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

Activists argue that the sudden interruption of the program caused a loss of trust among citizens. —ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Lawmakers say the funding ensures the 460,000 public employees, retirees and dependents who access health care through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) face no interruptions to their coverage. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

In the meantime, the board is expected to continue its regular operations without interruption, according to the news release. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

Hear strangers’ stories without digital interruption. —Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption