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

Best of all, families can dive into these new experiences together without interruptions from ads or in-app purchases. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Keep it calm and reference the specific meeting when the interruptions happened. —Jessica Chen, CNBC, 15 May 2026

The oversized container means fewer interruptions and less chances for your pet to run and hide. —Trisha Easto, USA Today, 15 May 2026

Samuel’s silence allows the entire operation to unfold without interruption and becomes a key factor in the success of both heists. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption