What does interrupting mean?
Interrupting describes something that disrupts speech, activity, or concentration. Its most characteristic use is as an adjective before a noun, as in “an interrupting phone call” or “an interrupting noise,” where it suggests an event that demands attention and prevents something else from proceeding normally. It can also be the present participle of the verb interrupt, describing the act of breaking into someone's speech or activity: “She kept interrupting the discussion.” The word often carries a mildly negative connotation because interruptions are commonly inconvenient, though the degree of disapproval depends on context. An interrupting noise may be harmless, while repeatedly interrupting a speaker may be considered rude. The form is used in standard British and American English and is especially common in descriptions of events, conversations, distractions, and electronic notifications.
Tending to disrupt speech, activity, or concentration.
"He silenced his interrupting mobile phone before the meeting began."
Usually placed before a noun and often describing a sound, event, person, or action that causes a momentary disruption.
The present participle of interrupt, meaning to break into or stop someone's speech, activity, or course of action.
"Several audience members were interrupting the keynote speaker."
This is an inflected verb form used in constructions such as “is interrupting,” “was interrupting,” or “have been interrupting.”
The power of “interrupting” comes from the same Latin root as “rupture”: both suggest breaking into or breaking through something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interrupting come from?
The word ultimately comes from Latin inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” and rumpere, meaning “to break.” These elements produced the sense of breaking into or breaking off an ongoing action. English borrowed the related verb through Old French, and the modern form interrupting was formed by adding the present-participle ending -ing to interrupt.
Related word forms
How interrupting is actually used
When used independently, interrupting is normally adjectival, as in an “interrupting noise.” As a verb form, it normally follows a subject in the progressive or perfect construction.
Easily confused with interrupting
Interrupting means to disrupt speech or activity, whereas interpreting means to explain the meaning of something such as a language or sign.