Pronunciation: ˌ in-t ə - ' r ə pt
Function: 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 \ - ' r ə p-t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– in · ter · rup · tion \ - ' r ə p-sh ə n \ noun
– in · ter · rup · tive \ - ' r ə p-tiv \ adverb