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

In practical terms, each center would have to complete one registration approximately every three and a half minutes, without interruption, every day for 90 days. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

That increase was aimed at dampening the impact on consumer prices from higher oil prices due to the US-Iran war and subsequent interruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Once Sebushishe’s team invited the community leaders to meet, explained their intentions, and gave them more control over how things would be done, the leaders agreed to allow the medical professionals to do their work without further interruption. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 July 2026

Attendees often need time to process information and may lack psychological safety to voice concerns, especially when questions feel like interruptions. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption