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.

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

Scientists believe future treatments could target these cells to interrupt the harmful cycle known as inflammaging.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Since then, there has been a measurable increase in "artists voluntarily choosing to interrupt their own performances," according to the 2023 European Festival Report.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Mrs. Clarke, I am sorry to interrupt your chess game, but could you summon Jasper and have him at the ready to run a letter to the post, posthaste?”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

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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