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

Arrays of these units powered LED lights for more than 24 hours without interruption. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026

Crews in Hollywood are working to make repairs after a massive water main break led to service interruptions on Thursday night. —Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

Finally, after about 12 and a half minutes, hosts Bert Kreischer and country singer Hardy came back on and apologized for the interruption. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 Jan. 2026

The Boise man said bystanders quickly called paramedics to the scene, and the fireworks show carried on without interruption. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption