Interrupted: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when something or someone stops someone else from speaking or continuing an activity temporarily. It can be neutral or mildly negative.

• She was interrupted by a phone call in the middle of her presentation.
• Our dinner was interrupted by a loud noise.

Appropriate for situations where an event or activity is disturbed or stopped, often causing confusion or problems. It carries a negative connotation.

• The protest disrupted the traffic in the city.
• His constant questions disrupted the flow of the meeting.

Used when someone or something causes a small interruption, typically making someone feel uncomfortable or uneasy. It can also be negative.

• Please do not disturb me while I'm working.
• The loud music disturbed the neighbors.

Used when someone interjects or enters a conversation or space abruptly. It is often considered rude or impolite.

• He always tries to break in when I'm talking.
• Sorry to break in, but I need to discuss an urgent matter.

This term is commonly used when someone is talking or doing something, and another person or event temporarily stops them.

• She was interrupted by a phone call during her presentation.
• The meeting was interrupted by a fire alarm.

This phrase is used when someone interjects or interrupts a conversation or action, usually to give their own opinion or take over the action.

• She cut in while he was explaining his plan.
• During the dance, he cut in and started dancing with her.

This is typically used to describe stopping a conversation, relationship, or process abruptly, often due to a significant reason.

• They decided to break off their engagement.
• He broke off in the middle of his speech when he heard the bad news.

This word is often used in formal situations to indicate temporarily stopping an activity or process, usually with the intention to resume it later.

• The committee decided to suspend the meeting until next week.
• The service was suspended due to technical issues.