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Webster's New World College Dictionary » interrupt
interrupt
interrupt definition
in·ter·rupt (in′tə rupt′)
transitive verb
- to break into or in upon (a discussion, train of thought, etc.)
- 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
Etymology: 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 in′·ter·rup′·tive adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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