interrupt

Definition

To disturb or halt (an ongoing process or action, or the person performing it) by interfering suddenly, especially by speaking.

Etymology

From Middle English interrupten, derived from Latin interruptus, past participle of interrumpere (“to break apart/off, interrupt”), from inter (“between”) + rumpere (“to break”).

Example Sentences

• "A maverick politician repeatedly interrupted the debate by shouting."
• "Do not interrupt me in my course."
• "One saint's day in mid-term a certain newly appointed suffragan-bishop came to the school chapel, and there preached on “The Inner Life.” He at once secured attention by his informal method, and when presently the coughing of Jarvis […] interrupted the sermon, he altogether captivated his audience with a remark about cough lozenges being cheap and easily procurable."

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