Word: Interrupt

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈtɜːrpt/

Definitions

• Verb:
  • (transitive) To break into or disturb the continuity or progress of (an action, speech, thought, etc.). For example: “The ringing phone interrupted our conversation.”
  • (intransitive) To break off what one is doing by some extraneous act, event, or thought. For example: “I was interrupted while reading my book.”
  • (computing) To suspend the normal processing of a program temporarily, usually in response to an external signal or event.

Phrases

• “Interrupt someone’s flow”: To break the concentration or train of thought of someone.
• “Interrupt a process”: In computing, to halt the normal execution of a program or task.
• “Interrupt politely”: To try to get someone’s attention without being rude or intrusive.

Example Sentences

• Verb (transitive): “Please don’t interrupt when I’m speaking; it’s quite rude.”
• Verb (intransitive): “She was interrupted from her work by a knock on the door.”
• Computing: “The system can automatically interrupt a running program if it detects an error.”

Synonyms

• Break (into)
• Cut off
• Halt
• Disrupt
• Interfere with
• Stop (temporarily)
• Intrude upon
• Check (informal)
• Chime in (casual)
• Butt in (informal, often impolite)