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

Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez said that would create redundancy in case of service interruptions. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026

The most critical risk is not gradual change but sudden interruption—the possibility that China could restrict supply of essential inputs with little warning. —Ram Charan, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026

Mehl explains that these interruptions rarely appear as a single dramatic problem. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026

The reline will cost $350 million, and the company plans to supply customers with no interruptions during construction, according to Post-Tribune archives. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption