As a Noun: 1. The act or action of gaining someone's attention by tapping them, usually on the arm or shoulder. 2. Something which temporarily prevents an activity from continuing; the act of stopping someone or something temporarily. English = interruption. 3. An interruption to what someone is doing that causes them inconvenience. English = disturbance, irritation, hassle. 4. The prevention of an event, system or process from proceeding or operating easily or peacefully. English = disruption. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To gain someone's attention by tapping them on the arm or shoulder. 2. To say or do something that causes someone who is speaking or signing to pause or stop. English = interrupt. 3. To interrupt what someone is doing and cause them inconvenience. English = disturb, irritate, hassle. 4. To prevent an event, system or process from proceeding or operating easily or peacefully. English = disrupt.