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

But late Thursday, the company sent a news release naming Brian Kletch as the new owner, saying the business will remain in operation without any closures or interruptions in production. —Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026

Hungary blocked a new package of EU sanctions on Russia in response to interruptions in Russian oil supplies that pass through Ukraine, and vowed to veto any further pro-Ukraine policies until oil flows resume. —Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

That sounds reassuring, but not all interruptions, delays or cancellations are created equal. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

The Beats Studio Pro headphones truly block out any distracting noises, allowing wearers to connect to in-flight entertainment comfortably and sleep without interruption. —Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption