interrupt

[in-tuh-ruhpt, in-tuh-ruhpt] / ˌɪn təˈrʌpt, ˈɪn təˌrʌpt /

VERB

bother, interfere

Synonyms

STRONGEST

break break off cut off cut short delay discontinue disturb halt heckle hinder hold up impede prevent punctuate stop suspend

STRONG

arrest check crash cut defer disconnect disjoin disunite divide in infringe inject insinuate intrude obstruct separate sever shortstop stay

WEAK

barge in break in break train of thought bust in butt in chime in come between crowd in cut in on edge in get in the way horn in lay aside put in work in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist begin carry on cause continue encourage facilitate forward further give go help join mend permit promote push start support

STRONG

attach combine connect couple expedite leave leave alone link unite

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They take into account only those bad enough to interrupt a passenger’s holiday and force them to seek medical attention.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

Delays and dysfunction will slow hiring, interrupt clinical trials, and delay downstream commercialization.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Napoleon reportedly said: “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Denford’s mission is to interrupt the spinning vortex of negativity in which the world is caught by redirecting our energy instead of contributing one more fiery rebuttal to sexist idiocy.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

But Aethra, Theseus’ mother, to whom those other sorrowing mothers had first turned, was bold to interrupt the two Kings.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Vocabulary lists containing interrupt

Make a Break for It: Rupt

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Raymond's Run"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Lesson 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!