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

British soccer supporters are accustomed to 45-minute halves that largely unfold without interruption. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026

If a facility had successfully operated through years of storms without interruption, many organizations considered their risk profile well understood. — Patty Templeton-Jones, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

The program employs outreach professionals who work on community outreach, public education, conflict mediation and violence interruption. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Celebrities including Lupita Nyong’o, Sharon Stone, John Boyega and Michelle Williams attended at the WSA Building in downtown Manhattan for this season’s show, which continued despite the interruption. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption