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

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interim
• interlude
• intermission
• interregnum
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

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

Resuming her testimony after the interruption, Geddes said Smith suffered more than a dozen stab wounds, but underwent a successful surgery. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

Research shows that frequent interruptions, especially during cognitively complex tasks, increase error rates and reduce productivity. —Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

The card’s travel perks include an up to $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement and travel and emergency assistance services. —Ryley Amond, CNBC, 9 May 2025

The interruption came at the stormy end of a 20-hour waiting game that began with people camping out near the Mass site. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption