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View synonyms for

interrupt

[ verb in-tuh-ruhpt; noun in-tuh-ruhpt ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to cause or make a break in the continuity or uniformity of (a course, process, condition, etc.).

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  2. to break off or cause to cease, as in the middle of something:

    He interrupted his work to answer the bell.

    Antonyms:

  3. to stop (a person) in the midst of doing or saying something, especially by an interjected remark:

    May I interrupt you to comment on your last remark?

    Synonyms:



verb (used without object)

  1. to cause a break or discontinuance; interfere with action or speech, especially by interjecting a remark:

    Please don't interrupt.

noun

  1. Computers. a hardware signal that breaks the flow of program execution and transfers control to a predetermined storage location so that another procedure can be followed or a new operation carried out.

interrupt

/ ˌɪԳəˈʌ /

verb

  1. to break the continuity of (an action, event, etc) or hinder (a person) by intrusion
  2. tr to cease to perform (some action)
  3. tr to obstruct (a view)
  4. to prevent or disturb (a conversation, discussion, etc) by questions, interjections, or comment
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. the signal to initiate the stopping of the running of one computer program in order to run another, after which the running of the original program is usually continued
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌԳٱˈܱپ, adjective
  • ˌԳٱˈܱپly, adverb
  • ˌԳٱˈܱپ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • t·ܱĻ· adverb
  • t·ܱĻ·Ա noun
  • t·ܱi· adjective
  • t·ܱt adjective
  • ԴDzi·ٱ·ܱi· adjective
  • ԴDzi·ٱ·ܱt adjective
  • i·ٱ·ܱ verb
  • -t·ܱiԲ adjective
  • ܲi·ٱ·ܱi· adjective
  • ܲi·ٱ·ܱiԲ adjective
  • ܲi·ٱ·ܱt adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of interrupt1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English interrupten, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere “to break apart,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + rup-, variant stem of rumpere “to burst” + -tus past participle suffix; inter-, rupture
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Word History and Origins

Origin of interrupt1

C15: from Latin interrumpere , from inter- + rumpere to break
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Synonym Study

Interrupt, discontinue, suspend imply breaking off something temporarily or permanently. Interrupt may have either meaning: to interrupt a meeting. To discontinue is to stop or leave off, often permanently: to discontinue a building program. To suspend is to break off relations, operations, proceedings, privileges, etc., for a certain period of time, usually with the stipulation that they will be resumed at a stated time: to suspend operations during a strike.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In 1945, then Commons Speaker Col Clifton Brown interrupted a parliamentary debate to tell MPs that after five years, seven months and 23 days, he was turning the light back on.

From

"Yes, we used to see him all the time when he came here," he said, interrupting himself to sternly invite tourists to put their phones away or cover their shoulders.

From

The video is then interrupted by an onscreen message from the Fontana Police Department: “The officer attempts to handcuff the suspect and he resists.”

From

Plumped golden raisins, toasted coconut, and a few chopped nuts go over the top, where they can shine without interrupting the crumb.

From

In 2011, for example, a squirrel ran onto the field to interrupt two games of the National League Division Series in St. Louis.

From

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in terrorem clauseinterrupted