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 has been contested almost annually without interruption since 10 years after the end of the Civil War, and on the first Saturday in May for almost a century. —Steve Kornacki, NBC news, 1 May 2026

This benefit includes up to 150 miles of towing, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption protection. —Danny Smith, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

The interruptions led to the board calling two different recesses before finishing the vote virtually. —Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Employees restock more frequently and experience fewer interruptions from weekend shoppers, resulting in shelves that tend to stay better organized and fuller. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interruption

• incorruption
• corruption
• disruption
• eruption
• irruption