noun

interruption

in-tuh-RUP-shun/ˌɪntəˈrʌpʃn/

An act or period of stopping something that is ongoing.

The dog causes an interruption by placing a ball on her open book.

A dog interrupts a woman's reading by placing a tennis ball directly on her open book; she looks up from the page while keeping her finger at her place.

Etymology

interLatinbetween

+ruptLatinto break

+ionLatinact or process

The breaking root becomes an action noun: a breaking off or break in continuity. That image extends to an event that breaks into an activity, producing a pause rather than uninterrupted progress.

In context

Plainly Difficult476:31

… Interruption of mining activity severely affected employment in 37 Villages and cities …

ReWind: Year 5 Omnibus of Plainly Difficult

More examples

Several interruptions delayed her reading.
She welcomed the interruption.
The meeting continued without interruption.

Forms

interruption · interruptions

interrupt verb — stop something temporarily

Similar words

disruption: A disturbance that may be more extensive.
pause: A stop that can be planned or self-chosen.