Interruption Meaning and Definition
Interruption
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈtərʊpʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Something that stops or breaks off the normal flow or continuity of an activity, event, or process.
Examples
- My cat’s sudden meowing interrupted my concentration.
- The fire alarm’s loud ringing interrupted the meeting.
Synonyms
- Disruption
- Pause
- Break
Antonyms
- Continuity
- Cooking
Additional Information
Interruptions can be unwelcome, as they can halt progress or disrupt important tasks. However, some interruptions can be beneficial, such as a phone call from a loved one or an unexpected surprise.
In business and communication, interruptions can be a challenging aspect of human interaction. Effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques can help minimize interruptions and maintain productive conversations.
Etymology
The word “interruption” comes from the Latin words “inter” meaning “between” and “ruptio” meaning “break” or “rupture”.
Usage Notes
In formal writing, it’s essential to use “interruption” correctly to convey the intended meaning. Avoid using it to describe minor pauses or brief distractions.
Cultural References
In popular culture, interruptions often occur in films, television shows, and literature to add tension, drama, or humor to a scene.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Save it for later” – to interrupt or stop someone
- “Cut in” – to interrupt someone
Related Words or Phrases
- Pause
- Break
- Disruption
- Delay
Collocations
- unwelcome interruption
- accidental interruption
- deliberate interruption
Frequency of Use
The word “interruption” is commonly used in modern language, especially in business, communication, and everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Inturruption
- Interupution
- Inturpation