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interrupt

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Interrupt is defined as to stop or cause something to stop for a period of time.

(verb)

An example of to interrupt is to cut off a person while she is speaking.

The definition of an interrupt is a computer signal that tells the computer to stop running the current program so that a new one can be started or a circuit that carries such a signal.

(noun)

An example of an interrupt is a signal to stop Microsoft Word so that a PowerPoint presentation can gear up.

See interrupt in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

1. to break into or in upon (a discussion, train of thought, etc.)
2. to break in upon (a person) who is speaking, working, etc.; stop or hinder
to make a break in the continuity of; cut off; obstruct

Origin: ME interrupten < L interruptus, pp. of interrumpere, to break apart, break off < inter-, between + rumpere, to break: see rupture

intransitive verb

to make an interruption, esp. in another's speech, action, etc.

Related Forms:

interruptive adjective

See interrupt in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb in·ter·rupt·ed, in·ter·rupt·ing, in·ter·rupts

verb, transitive

To break the continuity or uniformity of: Rain interrupted our baseball game.
To hinder or stop the action or discourse of (someone) by breaking in on: The baby interrupted me while I was on the phone.

verb, intransitive

To break in on an action or discourse.

noun
Computer Science

A signal to a computer that stops the execution of a running program so that another action can be performed.
A circuit that conveys a signal stopping the execution of a running program.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English interrupten

Origin: , from Old French interrupte, interrupted

Origin: , from Latin interruptus

Origin: , past participle of interrumpere, to break off

Origin: : inter-, inter-

Origin: + rumpere, to break; see reup- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: