Interrupter

An **interrupter** is an individual, device, or thing that breaks the continuity of an action, process, or speech. It can range from a physical obstacle to a person who cuts into a conversation. The term often implies an undesired or disruptive break, though interruptions can sometimes be neutral or even beneficial, such as a scheduled break. Consider how a computer program uses interrupt signals, or how a person with ADHD may be prone to impulsive interruptions. The impact of the interruption depends largely on context. In formal settings, interruptions can be considered rude; in informal settings, they may be commonplace or even welcomed as signs of active engagement. The term highlights a cessation of flow.

Interrupter meaning with examples

• The barking dog outside the window acted as an interrupter, distracting the students during their exam, and causing several to lose focus. The sudden noise broke their concentration and was a severe inconvenience. The dog's presence was unexpected and made concentration difficult, forcing the teacher to ask the owner to remove the dog from the classroom.
• The phone call was a constant interrupter for the writer, preventing him from maintaining his train of thought and making the process agonizingly slow. Each incoming call disrupted his creative process. The need to check on his phone took away from his creativity, making his day filled with a lot of wasted time.
• The construction noise outside was a major interrupter during the conference, making it impossible for the presenter to communicate clearly. The noisy chaos ruined the whole atmosphere for all involved. The whole process would come to a halt, preventing a clear message from conveying to the audience and affecting the whole process.
• Her child, needing attention, became an unexpected interrupter, constantly interrupting the important meeting, causing delays and frustration for the attendees. Her young child frequently interrupted the meeting, seeking attention. His childlike outbursts of random words made meetings hard to plan.
• The power outage proved to be an interrupter, shutting down all the computers and halting the online class mid-lecture, with the whole class frustrated at this unforeseen setback. The sudden absence of power led to a sudden disconnect. Many students would lose their current progress with no hope to save it.