interrupt

verb

in·ter·rupt | \ ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt

interrupted; interrupting; interrupts

Definition of interrupt

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to stop or hinder by breaking in interrupted the speaker with frequent questions

2 : to break the uniformity or continuity of a hot spell occasionally interrupted by a period of cool weather

intransitive verb

: to break in upon an action especially : to break in with questions or remarks while another is speaking

interrupt

noun

in·ter·rupt | \ ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt

, ˈin-tə-ˌrəpt\

Definition of interrupt (Entry 2 of 2)

: a feature of a computer that permits the temporary interruption of one activity (such as the execution of a program) in order to perform another also : the interruption itself

Other Words from interrupt Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about interrupt

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from interrupt

Verb

interruptible \ ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tə-bəl

\ adjective

interruption \ ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-shən

\ noun

interruptive \ ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tiv

\ adverb

Synonyms for interrupt

Synonyms: Verb

break in, chime in, chip in [chiefly British], cut in, interpose, intrude

Examples of interrupt in a Sentence

Verb

It's not polite to interrupt. His dinner was interrupted by a phone call. We interrupt this program to bring you a special announcement. Every summer periods of cool weather occasionally interrupt the intense heat.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

On Saturday night, her ex-husband Offset interrupted her performance at the Rolling Loud Festival in Los Angeles in a grand apologetic gesture to try to make amends for his cheating ways. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "Cardi B’s Post-Breakup Fashion Look Is Barbie Meets Lisa Vanderpump," 17 Dec. 2018 Paul is effusive and almost bubbly, while Fred is more taciturn and tends to let Paul run, interrupting only when corrections are necessary. — Lee Hutchinson, Ars Technica, "Video: How Star Control II was almost a much more boring game," 27 Dec. 2018 The bill would have allowed judges to stop the arrests or other activities that interrupt their proceedings. — Fox News, "California governor vetoes bills to let noncitizens serve on boards, block immigration arrests in courthouses," 28 Sep. 2018 Rosenow said the volunteer who interrupted was not on staff and was not representative of the overall campaign. — Michael Katz, idahostatesman, "Gubernatorial campaign volunteer disrupts Capitol rally for children at border," 30 June 2018 Instead of propelling the story, these tunes interrupt the flow and create a jagged, herky-jerky pace. — Brent Mcknight, The Seattle Times, "‘Smallfoot’: Cute animated adventure walks a predictable path," 25 Sep. 2018 Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin's lovefest was interrupted by a minor technical difficulty yesterday. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin Were "Stranded" in the Hamptons After Their Car Broke Down," 3 July 2018 Their idyll is soon interrupted by the arrival of an army of fierce mechanical dragons, flown by soldiers under the command of the handsome Izor. — Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms': Film Review | Shanghai 2018," 27 June 2018 No gas deliveries were interrupted, the companies said, but the attacks shone a light on the industry’s vulnerabilities. — James Osborne, San Antonio Express-News, "In coal fight, Perry switches his focus to pipeline cybersecurity," 25 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interrupt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.