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
Examples of interruption in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After the brief interruption, the ladies were able to continue their conversation.
—
Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023
The interruption did not seem to deter the climate activist, though, as she was later seen dancing behind stage as a band played music.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 13 Nov. 2023
Modern life is reliant on space technologies to an extent that an interruption would create profound economic and social distress.
—Jon Gertner, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023
Bringing the film to completion was a long journey, marred by funding challenges in Greece, the dramatic interruption of the coronavirus pandemic and the very nature of the script itself.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Nov. 2023
The service interruption comes as downtown shops, restaurants and arts centers have been battered by the pandemic and office vacancies, while Metro says the low number of commuters over the holiday period will bring the least disruption.
—Justin George, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
The orders to evacuate Al-Quds Hospital come amid a mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where most residents have been living without power, access to fresh water or food and cut off from the rest of the world due to internet service interruptions.
—Yasmine Salam, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2023
Drew Angerer / Getty Images Throughout the interruptions, Blinken continued to outline the Biden administration's request for aid.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2023
Adding this to your reservation gives you coverage for a covered trip cancellation or interruption, along with travel delay expenses.
—Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2023
See More
Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023
The interruption did not seem to deter the climate activist, though, as she was later seen dancing behind stage as a band played music.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 13 Nov. 2023
Modern life is reliant on space technologies to an extent that an interruption would create profound economic and social distress.
—Jon Gertner, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023
Bringing the film to completion was a long journey, marred by funding challenges in Greece, the dramatic interruption of the coronavirus pandemic and the very nature of the script itself.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Nov. 2023
The service interruption comes as downtown shops, restaurants and arts centers have been battered by the pandemic and office vacancies, while Metro says the low number of commuters over the holiday period will bring the least disruption.
—Justin George, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
The orders to evacuate Al-Quds Hospital come amid a mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where most residents have been living without power, access to fresh water or food and cut off from the rest of the world due to internet service interruptions.
—Yasmine Salam, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2023
Drew Angerer / Getty Images Throughout the interruptions, Blinken continued to outline the Biden administration's request for aid.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2023
Adding this to your reservation gives you coverage for a covered trip cancellation or interruption, along with travel delay expenses.
—Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interruption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of interruption was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near interruption
Cite this Entry
“Interruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interruption. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on interruption
Nglish: Translation of interruption for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of interruption for Arabic Speakers
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