Interrupt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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interrupt

[ˌɪntəˈrʌpt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

conversation

To stop someone from speaking by saying or doing something, or to cause a break or pause in an activity or process.

Synonyms

break in, cut in, disrupt, disturb, interfere.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
interrupt	Used when someone stops someone else while they are speaking or doing something, typically considered polite or neutral. Please do not interrupt while I am explaining He interrupted the meeting to make an important announcement
disturb	Often used when someone bothers another person, causing them to stop what they are doing or feel uneasy. Please do not disturb while I am studying The loud noise disturbed the neighbors
disrupt	Used when someone or something causes a major disturbance or prevents a process or event from continuing as planned. The fire alarm disrupted the meeting Construction work has disrupted traffic flows
break in	Often used when someone enters a conversation or situation suddenly, sometimes implying a lack of permission or rudeness. She broke in on our conversation without any warning I had to break in to correct the mistake
cut in	Similar to 'break in', but often used when someone speaks over someone else or intrudes into an activity abruptly, suggesting impoliteness. He cut in while I was talking She always cuts in when someone else is speaking
interfere	Used in situations where someone meddles in others' affairs or obstructs progress, often having a negative connotation. I don't want to interfere in their argument His constant questions interfere with the class's flow

Examples of usage

He kept interrupting me while I was trying to explain.
Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.
The sudden noise interrupted my concentration.
We were interrupted by a phone call.
Please don't interrupt me when I'm talking.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

A signal that temporarily stops the execution of a program in a computer system in order to perform a special function.

Synonyms

event, exception, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
interrupt	This is a duplicate of the first 'interrupt' and should not be used again in the list to avoid redundancy.
signal	Use when referring to a gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions. The traffic light turned green, which was the signal to go. He raised his hand to signal the waiter.
exception	Use this word to describe something that does not follow the general rule, often indicating a rare or unusual circumstance. Everyone has to comply with the rules, with no exceptions. She was the only exception to the otherwise strict policy.
event	Use when referring to something that happens, especially something important or unusual. The concert was a major event in the city. Graduation is a significant event in a student's life.

Examples of usage

The interrupt handler deals with hardware interrupts.
Software interrupts are used for system calls.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication

Research shows that interrupting can sometimes be a sign of enthusiasm or eagerness to contribute.
Overly frequent interruptions can hinder effective communication and lead to misunderstandings.

Psychology

Interruptions can be categorized as a social behavior, reflecting power dynamics in conversations.
People in dominant positions might interrupt more often, as it can indicate authority or control.

Pop Culture

In comedy shows, interruptions during a monologue are often used for humor, creating a lively and spontaneous atmosphere.
Famous talk show hosts are known for their quick comebacks and interruptions, keeping the conversation dynamic and engaging.

Education

In classroom settings, teachers encourage students to raise hands instead of interrupting to maintain order and respect.
Studies indicate that structured discussions reduce interruptions and promote better listening skills among students.

Origin of 'interrupt'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Latin 'interrumpere', meaning to break in between.
It combines 'inter' (between) and 'rumpe' (to break), highlighting the action of breaking into a conversation.

The word 'interrupt' originated in the late 14th century from the Latin word 'interruptus', past participle of 'interrumpere', which means 'to break apart, break off'. The word has been used in English to signify a break or disturbance in continuity, both in conversation and in technology, for centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,773 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8770 melody
8771 mourning
8772 impossibility
8773 interrupt
8774 disbursements
8775 abstraction
8776 circumference
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