interrupted

Interrupted is the past participle of the verb interrupt. It derives from Latin interruptus, from inter- “between” and rumpere “to break.” In modern English, interrupted can function as a past participle and as an adjective meaning that something has been stopped or broken off before its completion.

In everyday use, an interrupted event is one that is cut off mid-course. For example, “Her speech was interrupted by a phone call.” In narrative writing, an interrupted sentence or dialogue reflects disruption or a shift in focus.

In technology and computing, an interrupt is a signal that causes a processor or system to pause its current task. When a process is interrupted, control is temporarily transferred to another task before resuming. In statistics, interrupted time series designs apply an intervention at a defined point and analyze preceding and following trends to assess impact.

In other domains, the word may describe communications, processes, or journeys that were halted. As a general term, interrupted conveys disruption, delay, or termination of continuity. The term is also encountered as a title or part of titles in literature, film, and media, reflecting themes of disruption and turning points.