interrupt
in-tuh-RUPT
/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/
To stop the continuous progress of an activity or process.
Often implies a social intrusion or a break in a sequence caused by an outside force.
The story behind the word. Literally 'to break between.' It describes the action of thrusting oneself or an event into the middle of something else's timeline.
Word relationships
- disrupt: 'Disrupt' is more chaotic and implies causing disorder; 'interrupt' is simply breaking the flow.
- continue: 'Continue' means to keep going without any breaks.
Commonly confused with
- interfere: 'Interfere' implies meddling or making something worse; 'interrupt' is just a break in time.
Word family
- interruption (noun): The act of breaking continuity.
Collocations
- interrupt a conversation
- constantly interrupt
- rude to interrupt
Example sentences
- "I'm sorry to interrupt, but there is a phone call for you." A conversation being broken into.
- "The storm served to interrupt the power supply for several hours." A technical failure.
Memory hook
Imagine a 'rupture' (break) happening 'inter' (between) two people talking. Break the flow.
When not to use
Do not use when the break is a scheduled part of the event; use 'intermission' instead.
Fun facts
- In computing, an 'interrupt' is a signal to the processor emitted by hardware or software indicating an event that needs immediate attention.
Related words
Explore more words
disruption, interfere, uninterrupted, interject, suspend, intrusive
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