Interrupting: meaning, definitions and examples

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interrupting

 

[ ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

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?

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Word Description / Examples
interrupting

Appropriate when someone stops someone else from speaking or doing something, not necessarily negative but can be considered rude if frequent.

  • He kept interrupting the teacher during the lesson
  • It's polite to wait for your turn instead of interrupting others
interfere

Used when someone gets involved in a situation where their involvement is unwelcome or not needed. It typically carries a negative connotation.

  • She tends to interfere with her friend’s decisions
  • Don’t interfere in their argument
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.

  • Please don’t cut in when I’m speaking
  • He cut in and took over the conversation
break in

Suitable when someone suddenly enters a conversation or room without permission. It can indicate urgency or rudeness.

  • She had to break in to share the urgent news
  • He broke in on our meeting without an invitation

Examples of usage

  • Sorry for interrupting, but I have a question.
  • Please stop interrupting me while I'm speaking.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

To cause a computer or electronic device to stop working temporarily by entering or using information.

Synonyms

disrupt, hinder, suspend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interrupting

To briefly stop someone from speaking or an activity, typically to provide additional information or to ask something.

  • She kept interrupting him during the meeting to ask questions.
  • Sorry for interrupting, but I have a quick comment.
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.

  • The protest disrupted the traffic for several hours.
  • The power outage disrupted the entire neighborhood.
suspend

To temporarily stop an activity, service, or system, often with the intention to resume it later.

  • The school decided to suspend classes due to the snowstorm.
  • His license was suspended after the traffic violation.
hinder

To make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen by causing delays or obstacles.

  • Poor weather conditions hindered the rescue operations.
  • Her lack of experience may hinder her chances of getting the job.

Examples of usage

  • The virus is interrupting the normal operation of the computer.
  • The software update interrupted the system for a few minutes.
Context #3 | Noun

communication

A break or pause in a conversation or event.

Synonyms

break, intermission, pause.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interrupting

Used when someone disrupts someone else's speech or activity, usually considered rude or negative.

  • She kept interrupting him during the meeting.
  • It's hard to get anything done with people constantly interrupting.
pause

Used to describe a temporary stop or halt in speech or activity, often to think or to reconsider.

  • She paused before answering the question.
  • Let’s pause the video for a moment.
break

Used to describe a short rest or a temporary stop in activity, commonly in the context of work or school.

  • Let's take a five-minute break.
  • I need a break from studying.
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.

  • There will be a 15-minute intermission between acts.
  • Buy your snacks during the intermission.

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.