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.

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

Gulls managed to interrupt the BBC's interview with the Bank of England's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, whose signature appears on its banknotes.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Many of them display puzzling fluctuations in brightness, brief increases in light that interrupt the expected smooth curve and hint that complex processes are unfolding within the expanding debris.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

In the era of Ozempic and clean eating, the menu is kept simple; servers don’t have to interrupt diners’ conversations to offer a lengthy description.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

“It’s rude to interrupt, darling,” the empty face said.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Vocabulary lists containing interrupt

Make a Break for It: Rupt

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"Raymond's Run"

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Lesson 1

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