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

Constant interruption is normalized. —Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Several local cities asked for extensions to pay the contracts with the Crime Commission due to funding interruptions brought on by the pandemic. —Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026

Limit task-switching and interruptions. —Robin Pickering, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026

After a $15 million makeover, Huizenga Park will reopen with events on Saturday and Sunday, bringing a valuable green interruption to the rapidly developing downtown core in Fort Lauderdale. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption