First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1interrupt
verb in·ter·rupt \ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt\
: to ask questions or say things while another person is speaking : to do or say something that causes someone to stop speaking
: to cause (something) to stop happening for a time
: to cause (something) to not be even or continuous : to change or stop the sameness or smoothness of (something)
Full Definition of INTERRUPT
transitive verb
1
: to stop or hinder by breaking in <interrupted the speaker with frequent questions>
2
: to break the uniformity or continuity of <a hot spell occasionally interrupted by a period of cool weather>
intransitive verb
: to break in upon an action; especially : to break in with questions or remarks while another is speaking
— in·ter·rupt·ible \-ˈrəp-tə-bəl\ adjective
— in·ter·rup·tion \-ˈrəp-shən\ noun
— in·ter·rup·tive \-ˈrəp-tiv\ adverb
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Origin of INTERRUPT
Middle English, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere, from inter- + rumpere to break — more at reave
Related to INTERRUPT
2interrupt
noun in·ter·rupt \ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt, ˈin-tə-ˌ\
Definition of INTERRUPT
: a feature of a computer that permits the temporary interruption of one activity (as the execution of a program) in order to perform another; also : the interruption itself
First Known Use of INTERRUPT
1957
INTERRUPT Defined for Kids
interrupt
verb in·ter·rupt \ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt\
in·ter·rupt·edin·ter·rupt·ing
Definition of INTERRUPT for Kids
1
: to stop or hinder by breaking in <Don't interrupt our conversation.>
2
: to break the sameness or course of <A loud crash interrupted the silence.>
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