interrupt

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verb in·ter·rupt \ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt\

Definition of interrupt

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

play \ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tə-bəl\ adjective

play \ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-shən\ noun

play \ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-tiv\ adverb

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.

Middle English, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere, from inter- + rumpere to break — more at reave

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

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noun in·ter·rupt \ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt, ˈin-tə-ˌrəpt\

: 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

1957

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verb

: to ask questions or say things while another person is speaking : to do or say something that causes someone to stop speaking
: to cause (something) to stop happening for a time
: to cause (something) to not be even or continuous : to change or stop the sameness or smoothness of (something)

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verb in·ter·rupt \ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt\

;

1 : to stop or hinder by breaking in Don't interrupt our conversation.
2 : to break the sameness or course of A loud crash interrupted the silence.