Interruption refers to a breakA short stopping or gap in something continuous. in the flowThe smooth movement or progress of something. of something, especially when an activity or conversation is stopped temporarilyFor only a short time; not permanently.. It can also mean the event that causes that break or the period when something is paused.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌɪntəˈrʌpʃən/
Easy pronunciation: in-ter-RUP-shun (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress is on the third syllable: RUP.
Noun meaning an act or event that stops something from continuing smoothly.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Interruption Meaning
something that breaks the flow of an activity, talk, or process
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an act or event that stops something from continuing smoothly
Example: Sorry for the interruption — can I ask a quick question?
Synonyms for this meaning:
- disruption — Works well when something is broken up or disturbed, though it is often stronger than interruption.
- break — Works in some contexts, especially for a pause in an activity, but it is broader and less specific.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Interruption
Meaning 2
a pause in a schedule, performance, or process
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a time interval during which something temporarily stops
Example: There will be a short interruption in service this afternoon.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- intermission — A clear synonym when referring to a scheduled pause, especially in a performance or event.
- pause — A natural substitute for a temporary stop.
- break — Common and natural for a short pause or stoppage.
- suspension — Fits when something is formally or officially halted, but is less everyday.
Meaning 3
a sudden thing that gets in the way of what is happening
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something sudden that interrupts an activity or conversation
Example: The phone call was a frustrating interruption during the meeting.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- break — Can work in the sense of a break in what is happening, but it is not as precise.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Interruption Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- disruption
- break
a temporary pause or stoppage
- intermission
- pause
- suspension
- break
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using interruption to mean a long delay rather than a short stop or break.
- Mixing up interruption with intermission: intermission usually means a planned pause, especially in a show or event.
- Using disruption as an exact match in every context; it often suggests a stronger disturbance than interruption.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does interruption mean in simple English?
Interruption means something that stops an activity, conversation, or process from continuing smoothly for a while.
What are the best synonyms for interruption?
Good synonyms depend on the sense. Common ones are break, pause, disruption, intermission, and suspension.
Is interruption always a negative word?
Not always. It is often used negatively, but it can also describe a normal pause or temporary stop.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-30. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
