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

This would be the first of multiple interruptions due to the weather. —NBC news, 7 June 2026

Game officials weren’t able to determine who had possession at the time of the interruption, so a jump ball ensued. —Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

The increase in uninsured children under 6 is likely due in part to the Medicaid unwinding process, which refers to the end of the pandemic-era requirement that those on Medicaid be able to stay enrolled in the program without interruption. —Ciara McCarthy 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026

Benefits include tire repair, 24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption protections. —Liz Knueven,kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption