Definition of interrupt

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< interrogatory

interrupter >

in·ter·rupt    (nt-rpt) KEY 

VERB:
in·ter·rupt·ed, in·ter·rupt·ing, in·ter·rupts
VERB:
tr.

1. To break the continuity or uniformity of: Rain interrupted our baseball game.
2. 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:
intr.

To break in on an action or discourse.

NOUN:
Computer Science

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

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English interrupten, from Old French interrupte, interrupted, from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere, to break off : inter-, inter- + rumpere, to break; see reup- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
inter·rupti·ble(Adjective), inter·ruption(Noun), inter·ruptive(Adjective)