interrupt definition

1. a signal that temporarily stops the execution of a program so that another procedure can be carried out
2. make a break in
• examples: We interrupt the program for the following messages
3. destroy the peace or tranquility of
• examples: Don't interrupt me when I'm reading
4. interfere in someone else's activity
• examples: Please don't interrupt me while I'm on the phone
5. terminate
• examples: She interrupted her pregnancy
• examples: break a lucky streak
• examples: break the cycle of poverty