interruption

noun

in·​ter·​rup·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce interruption (audio)
plural interruptions
Synonyms of interruption
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, questions have persisted about who ordered the interruptions to the satellite internet system that Kyiv has relied on for years to counter Moscow's attacks. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 Detecting a fault before launch could prevent equipment damage, reduce operational interruptions, and help protect people and property on the ground. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026 Still, questions have persisted about who ordered the interruptions to satellite internet system that Kyiv has relied on for years to counter Moscow’s attacks. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 For neighbors, the crash brought a frightening interruption to an otherwise routine afternoon. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interruption

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interruption was in the 15th century

Rhymes for interruption

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Browse Nearby Words

interruptible
interruption
interruptive
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Cite this Entry

“Interruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interruption. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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