Interrupt

/ɪn.təˈrʌpt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To stop the continuous progress of (an activity or process) by causing a disturbance or interruption.

He had to interrupt his presentation to answer a question from the audience.

To break the continuity of an action or event.

The loud noise from the construction site interrupted their conversation.

To break in on someone while they are speaking or doing something.

Please don't interrupt me while I'm trying to explain.

Middle English, from Latin interrumpere 'to break between' (inter- 'between' + rumpere 'to break').

interrupt a conversation

To start speaking in the middle of another person's speech.

interrupt someone’s train of thought

To disturb someone's thinking process.

interrupt the flow

To disrupt the smooth progression of an event.

interruption

The act of breaking the continuity of something.

disrupt

To disturb or interrupt the normal order or progress.

break

To separate into pieces or interrupt the continuity.

Cut in

He cut in on our discussion with a loud announcement.

Butt in

I hate it when people butt in while I'm talking.