interruption

noun

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

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.
Demonstrators unfurled banners and shouted slogans, but Harris turned the interruptions into an opportunity to reinforce her commitment to democracy. Nik Popli/charlotte, N.c., TIME, 3 Nov. 2024 The company has also filed motions with the Bankruptcy Court to continue its customer programs without interruption. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Consider this: Garbage collection in your neighborhood is dependable, with a truck arriving every week for pickup with no interruptions. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024 Thanks to those interruptions, an observer peering through the moving slits would perceive animation. Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near interruption

Cite this Entry

“Interruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interruption. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on interruption

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