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

It is also recommended to keep receipts for any purchases made at the airport during a flight interruption. —Essence, 10 Nov. 2025

Ashcroft played for four years without interruption and was the first Arsenal player to be capped by England. —Michael Walker, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

The sudden sting, the constant urge to run to the bathroom and the interruptions to work or intimacy can feel both embarrassing and unsettling. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

The company confirmed with the FAA that international flights will continue without interruption. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption