interrupt

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈtɛrəpt/

Definitions

1. To stop or hinder the progress of something temporarily, often by speaking or acting during a conversation or event.
2. To break the continuity or flow of something.

Usage Examples

• He interrupted her while she was explaining her idea.
• The meeting was interrupted by an unexpected phone call.
• She always tries to interrupt conversations to express her opinion.

Etymology

From Latin "interrumpere," meaning "to break between." "Inter-" meaning "between" and "rumpere" meaning "to break." The word has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving from its medieval Latin usage to its modern sense of disrupting or halting.

Synonyms

• Disrupt
• Disturb
• Interrupt
• Break in

Antonyms

• Continue
• Persevere
• Proceed
• Allow

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• US: /ɪnˈtɛrəpt/
• UK: /ɪnˈtɛrəpt/
• Australia: /ɪnˈtɛrəpt/

Historical Usage

The word "interrupt" has been used since the 14th century, originally denoting the act of breaking into a conversation or event. It gained its modern sense of temporarily halting or disturbing an activity in the early English language. Historically, it was often used in both legal and social contexts, with the first recorded uses found in medieval texts referring to stopping a process or conversation.

Cultural Nuances

Interrupting someone is often considered rude in many cultures, especially in formal or professional settings. However, in certain contexts such as debates, arguments, or fast-paced discussions, interruptions may be seen as a sign of engagement or enthusiasm. In some cultures, interrupting is a sign of respect or eagerness to contribute, but in others, it is seen as disruptive or disrespectful.

More Information

The act of interrupting has been discussed in various fields, from communication studies to social psychology. In communication theory, interruption is often seen as a means to seize the floor in a conversation, which can influence the direction and power dynamics of an interaction. The concept of interruption has evolved, with debates about whether it should be discouraged or embraced in certain social contexts. In legal and formal settings, interruptions are generally discouraged to ensure orderly proceedings.