What does interruption mean?
An interruption is a break in the normal course of an activity, conversation, or process. It can be caused by a person who speaks out of turn, by an event such as a power failure, or by any circumstance that briefly prevents something from continuing. The term is used broadly in everyday life and in formal descriptions of transport, technology, broadcasting, and public services. “Without interruption” emphasizes uninterrupted continuity, while “a brief interruption” suggests that the original activity quickly resumes. The word may imply disruption, but it does not necessarily indicate conflict or serious disruption; even a short question from someone in the audience can be an interruption. It is a useful and precise term for describing events that temporarily suspend an activity or interrupt a flow.
nounAn instance of stopping or interrupting something temporarily, such as a conversation, activity, or process. It can also refer to the act of interrupting someone or something.
- The act of stopping or interrupting a conversation, activity, or process.
- A pause or break in the continuity of something.
- A remark or action that interrupts someone speaking or acting.
"The interruption of the meeting by a phone call surprised everyone."
"There was a brief interruption while the speaker adjusted the microphone."
"The power interruption delayed the entire experiment."
The usual plural form for more than one interruption.
"The recording contains several interruptions and background noises."
From the Latin for “to break into,” an interruption is literally something that breaks into the middle of what is happening.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of interruption
“Interruption” comes from the Latin interrumper, formed from inter- “between or among” and rumpere “to break.” The word entered English in the early 17th century in the sense of breaking into or interrupting a course of action. Its related forms, including “interrupt” and “uninterrupted,” preserve the same Latin roots and the idea of breaking into or remaining unbroken.
Related word forms
How interruption is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is common in both spoken and written English. In technical and administrative contexts, it often describes a temporary disruption to a service or process.