I. ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere, from inter- + rumpere to break — more at reave
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. : to stop or hinder by breaking in
interrupt ed the speaker with frequent questions
2. : to break the uniformity or continuity of
a hot spell occasionally interrupt ed by a period of cool weather
intransitive verb
: to break in upon an action ; especially : to break in with questions or remarks while another is speaking
• in·ter·rupt·ible -ˈrəp-tə-bəl adjective
• in·ter·rup·tion -ˈrəp-shən noun
• in·ter·rup·tive -ˈrəp-tiv adverb
II. ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt, ˈin-tə-ˌ noun
Date: 1957
: a feature of a computer that permits the temporary interruption of one activity (as the execution of a program) in order to perform another ; also : the interruption itself