Definition of interrupt

The word "interrupt" has its roots in Latin. The Latin phrase "intercipere" means "to seize between" or "to take in the middle." This phrase was later adapted into Middle English as "interrupten," which means "to break in upon" or "to stop in the middle of." In the 14th century, the word "interrupt" emerged, initially meaning "to stop or divide in the middle." Over time, the meaning expanded to include the idea of breaking in or supplanting, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. Today, the word "interrupt" can refer to a sudden interruption in a conversation, a stopped or paused action, or even the act of breaking in or disrupting a flow. In the digital age, the term "interrupt" has also taken on a new meaning, referring to a type of computer signal that temporarily stops or pauses the normal flow of a program to allocate resources to another task. Despite its evolution, the core idea of "interrupt" remains that of sudden, unexpected change or disruption.