Interrupting: meaning, definitions and examples
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interrupting
[ ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ ]
conversation
To stop someone from speaking by saying or doing something, or to make a process stop for a short time.
Synonyms
break in, cut in, interfere.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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interrupting |
Appropriate when someone stops someone else from speaking or doing something, not necessarily negative but can be considered rude if frequent.
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interfere |
Used when someone gets involved in a situation where their involvement is unwelcome or not needed. It typically carries a negative connotation.
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cut in |
Best used when someone interrupts and tries to dominate the conversation or takes someone else's turn abruptly. Often used in social or informal settings.
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break in |
Suitable when someone suddenly enters a conversation or room without permission. It can indicate urgency or rudeness.
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Examples of usage
- Sorry for interrupting, but I have a question.
- Please stop interrupting me while I'm speaking.
technology
To cause a computer or electronic device to stop working temporarily by entering or using information.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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interrupting |
To briefly stop someone from speaking or an activity, typically to provide additional information or to ask something.
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disrupt |
To cause disorder or turmoil by interrupting or stopping the normal flow of activities or events, often in a more significant or chaotic manner.
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suspend |
To temporarily stop an activity, service, or system, often with the intention to resume it later.
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hinder |
To make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen by causing delays or obstacles.
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Examples of usage
- The virus is interrupting the normal operation of the computer.
- The software update interrupted the system for a few minutes.
communication
A break or pause in a conversation or event.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
interrupting |
Used when someone disrupts someone else's speech or activity, usually considered rude or negative.
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pause |
Used to describe a temporary stop or halt in speech or activity, often to think or to reconsider.
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break |
Used to describe a short rest or a temporary stop in activity, commonly in the context of work or school.
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intermission |
Used to describe a pause or break, typically in a performance such as a play, concert, or movie, often scheduled and of a specific duration.
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Examples of usage
- There was an awkward interrupting in the middle of their discussion.
- The phone call came at an inconvenient interrupting during the meeting.
Translations
Translations of the word "interrupting" in other languages:
🇵🇹 interrompendo
🇮🇳 बाधित करना
🇩🇪 unterbrechend
🇮🇩 mengganggu
🇺🇦 перериваючи
🇵🇱 przerywający
🇯🇵 中断する
🇫🇷 interrompant
🇪🇸 interrumpiendo
🇹🇷 kesintiye uğratan
🇰🇷 중단하는
🇸🇦 مقاطع
🇨🇿 přerušující
🇸🇰 prerušujúci
🇨🇳 打断的
🇸🇮 prekinjajoč
🇮🇸 truflandi
🇰🇿 үзіп
🇬🇪 შეწყვეტის
🇦🇿 kəsən
🇲🇽 interrumpiendo
Etymology
The word 'interrupting' originates from the Latin word 'interruptus', which means 'broken off'. The concept of interrupting has been present in human interaction for centuries, with interruptions occurring in various forms of communication and activities. In modern times, the term is commonly used in both verbal and technological contexts to describe the act of halting or pausing a process or conversation temporarily.
See also: interrupt, interrupted, interrupter, interruption, interruptively, uninterrupted, uninterruptedly, uninterruptedness.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #13,606, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
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- 13606 interrupting
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- 13608 wetting
- 13609 naturalization
- ...