interrupt - Master This Word

interrupt Word Meanings

• to stop something from continuing
• to break into a conversation
• to cease an activity temporarily

interrupt Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• Please do not interrupt me while I am speaking.
• It is rude to interrupt someone on the phone.
• Can you wait? I don't want to interrupt now.
• She tried to interrupt the meeting.
• He always interrupts when I talk.

interrupt Word Etymology

inter- = between, rup- = break; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a conversation where one person suddenly breaks in, disrupting the flow, similar to tearing apart a paper.

English Brain Route

I lean toward the speaker, hand lifting to nudge the room back a notch, and I press a pause in the flow. The voice stumbles, and the chorus of words shifts as I cut in, changing the rhythm of the moment. A knot of effort tightens in my chest as I hold the gaze and set my mouth to speak, keeping the aim clear. The interruption becomes a bridge to what follows, a quick turn from drift to focus, and the meeting moves in a new direction.

Real Context

Interrupt is a verb meaning to stop something from continuing, or to break into a conversation or activity. It is typically used with a direct object: interrupt a meeting, interrupt someone who is speaking, interrupt the workflow. It often carries a sense of impoliteness or disruption, especially when the interrupter cuts in without waiting for a turn. In everyday English you might hear phrases like 'Sorry to interrupt, but...' or 'He interrupted the presentation to ask a question.' It can also refer to temporarily halting ongoing work, such as a power outage interrupting a program. The emphasis is on the sudden break in progression.

Usage Reminders

• Use interrupt with a direct object: interrupt a person or a process. Use 'to interrupt' when you want to say why you are breaking in. Prefer 'Sorry to interrupt, but...' to be polite. You can interrupt a meeting, a broadcast, or a workflow, but not a place or a moment. Distinguish from 'interfere' and 'intrude' for softer or harsher senses. Practice common collocations: interrupt a meeting, interrupt a broadcast, interrupt the flow of work.

Common Misconceptions

• Interupt is often used to mean a permanent stoppage, but in English it usually denotes a temporary or situational break.
• People confuse interrupt with interfere; interrupt is about cutting in, often with a person, while interfere is more about meddling.
• You can interrupt a machine or process (the outage interrupted the program), but blocking a pause is not the same as stopping forever.
• Some learners say 'interrupt in a sentence' instead of 'interrupt someone' or 'interrupt a meeting'.
• Interject is used for a brief, often polite comment; not all interruptions are interjections.

Thinking Differences

This explains how English typically views interruption as a social act that can be rude or necessary, depending on context; learners often over-polish or under-polish politeness or mix up interrupt with interject.

Learning Tips

• Remember interrupt is transitive: you interrupt a person or a process, not a place.
• Use 'Sorry to interrupt, but...' to be polite before saying something.
• Differentiate interrupt from interject (short, polite insertion) and interfere (obstruct more generally).
• Practice common collocations: interrupt a meeting, interrupt a broadcast, interrupt the flow of work.
• Avoid saying 'interrupt in' or 'interrupt with' — use 'interrupt someone' or 'interrupt the program'.
• Read or listen for real-life examples to hear how quickly interruptions occur in conversations.

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

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2026.03.31 · 1:21 · B2 · IELTS

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