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

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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

At the very end of the work, as the tragedy is about to reach its climax, Hermes interrupts to directly address the audience. — Douglas Murray, National Review, "Michael Tippett’s ‘Timeless Music in Time’," 11 July 2019 On Tuesday, the town of Avon’s Planning and Zoning Commission held the second part of a contentious public hearing — but the hearing was interrupted by one resident’s protest that the public was not being heard. — Emily Brindley, courant.com, "Residents express frustration during Nod Road public hearing," 10 July 2019 Adding to their stress are lengthy stretches of downtime interrupted by the need to handle dangerous equipment, sometimes in emergency conditions. — Beau Evans, nola.com, "Sewerage & Water Board employees, clocking long hours, long to be heard – not watched," 28 June 2019 Rain delayed the start of Saturday’s game by a half-hour, and a 14-8 loss was twice interrupted by Padres being ejected —Manny Machado in the fifth and Andy Green and Matt Strahm in the sixth. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Padres come back on Rockies again, split crazy series at Coors," 16 June 2019 His remarks were briefly interrupted by a protester from a group that accuses the retailer of sourcing chicken meat from farms that keep animals in inhumane conditions. — Tom Simonite, WIRED, "Bezos Says Amazon Will Bet Even Bigger Despite Antitrust Probes," 6 June 2019 On one side are Pam and Daniel, punk rockers whose dreams of stardom are interrupted by the birth of their daughter Flora. — Jim Kiest, ExpressNews.com, "12 new books for your summer reading list," 5 June 2019 In testimony interrupted by crying, putting his head down for a few moments, and running his hands through his short hair, Zachary Tener, 27, said his mother had sometimes left him alone for one or two days. — Marc Freeman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Prosecutors say alleged confession, blood stains point to defendant in missing body murder case," 6 June 2018 Turnout reached 85%, boosted by thousands of people who cancelled or interrupted their holidays to be home on election day. — The Economist, "Turkey’s president fails to see off his most powerful rival yet," 28 June 2019

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.