An interrupt is a signal to the processor that an event needs immediate attention. When an interrupt occurs, the current process is paused, and the processor temporarily stops its current task to address the interrupt. This allows the system to respond quickly to important events, such as user inputs or hardware signals. There are two main types of interrupts: hardware interrupts and software interrupts. Hardware interrupts are generated by external devices like keyboards or mice, while software interrupts are triggered by programs or the operating system itself. Both types help manage tasks efficiently, ensuring that critical operations are handled promptly.