From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishinterruptin‧ter‧rupt /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/ ●●● S3 verb 1 [intransitive, transitive]INTERRUPT to stop someone from continuing what they are saying or doing by suddenly speaking to them, making a noise etc Will you stop interrupting me! Sorry to interrupt, but I need to ask you to come downstairs.2 [transitive]STOP something THAT IS HAPPENING to make a process or activity stop temporarily My studies were interrupted by the war.3 [transitive]CONTINUOUS if something interrupts a line, surface, view etc, it stops it from being continuous —interruption /-ˈrʌpʃən/ noun [countable, uncountable] We can talk here without interruption. ► Do not use interruption to mean a short period when students or workers can stop working and relax. Use break: Between the two classes there is a 15-minute break.THESAURUSwhen someone is speaknginterrupt [intransitive, transitive] to stop someone from continuing speakingShe interrupted him to ask exactly how he had broken his ankle.Oliver began his story but was soon interrupted by the arrival of Mr Gosling.I wish you wouldn’t interrupt all the time.butt in [intransitive] to rudely start speaking when someone is already speakingWill you please stop butting in!Steve kept butting in with silly comments.cut somebody off/cut somebody short [intransitive] to prevent someone from finishing what they are sayingHe slammed down the phone and cut her off in mid-sentence.Bob began to speak but Donna cut him short.heckle [intransitive, transitive] to deliberately interrupt a speaker or performer by shouting, especially to show that you do not agree with what they are sayingComedians are used to dealing with members of the audience who heckle.The speaker was heckled by a group of protesters.chip in [intransitive] to interrupt a conversation or discussion by adding comments, especially helpful or useful onesFeel free to chip in if you have any comments to make. when someone is doing somethinginterrupt [intransitive, transitive] to stop someone from continuing to do somethingMiss Danziger apologised for interrupting their enjoyment of their meal.My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. His interview was interrupted by a call from the president.disturb to interrupt someone when they are trying to work, sleep etcThe sign on the door said ‘Do not disturb. Meeting in progress’.I hope I’m not disturbing you. Do you want me to come back later? Her sleep was disturbed by a violent hammering on the door. bother to interrupt someone, especially by asking questions when they are trying to do something else‘I’m very sorry to bother you, ’ Jackson said smoothly, ‘but I’d like a few minutes of your time.’You mustn’t bother him - he’s working on his essay. → See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
interrupt• I wish you wouldn't interrupt all the time.• Can I interrupt for a second?• Train service was interrupted for about ten minutes.• He apologised for interrupting her speech.• Don't interrupt - I haven't finished yet.• While I was giving my report, some guy in the back kept interrupting me every two minutes.• I'm sorry I interrupted you.• Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt you.• I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting, but may I speak with Michael for a moment?Origin interrupt (1300-1400) Latin past participle of interrumpere, from rumpere “to break” 