interruption

/ɪntəˈrʌpʃɪn/

/ɪntəˈrʌpʃən/

Other forms: interruptions

Like a loud noise cutting into a moment of quiet reflection, an interruption is when something temporarily stops or disrupts an activity, conversation, or process.

The word interruption comes from the Latin prefix inter-, meaning "between, among," and the Latin root rupt, meaning "burst." So an interruption can be thought of as something that bursts into the middle of something that is ongoing. Some interruptions — like a sudden power outage — can be annoying, even jarring. But some interruptions may be welcome, like your friend bringing you a treat to give you a break in the middle of a long, grueling study session.

Definitions of interruption

1. noun

   an act or event that causes a delay or break in an ongoing process or activity
   synonyms: break, disruption, gap

   types:

   cut-in, insert

   (film) a still picture that is introduced and that interrupts the action of a film

   cut-in, insert

   (broadcasting) a local announcement inserted into a network program

   interjection, interpellation, interpolation, interposition

   the action of interjecting or interposing an action or remark that interrupts

   abruption, breaking off

   an instance of sudden interruption

   barracking, heckling

   shouting to interrupt a speech with which you disagree

   type of:

   delay, holdup

   the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
2. noun

   a time during which something is temporarily stopped or delayed
   synonyms: break, intermission, pause, suspension

   types:

   lapse

   a break or intermission in the occurrence of something

   blackout

   a suspension of radio or tv broadcasting

   caesura

   a pause or interruption (as in a conversation)

   dead air

   an inadvertent interruption in a broadcast during which there is no sound

   delay, hold, postponement, time lag, wait

   time during which some action is awaited

   halftime

   an intermission between the first and second half of a game

   relief, respite, rest, rest period

   a pause for relaxation

   time-out

   a brief suspension of play

   letup, lull

   a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished

   extension

   a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt

   breath, breather, breathing place, breathing space, breathing spell, breathing time

   a short respite

   moratorium

   a legally authorized postponement before some obligation must be discharged

   retardation

   the extent to which something is delayed or held back

   type of:

   interval, time interval

   a definite length of time marked off by two instants