B2verb2K

Interrupt

UK /["/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌpts/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪd/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌpts/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪd/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to say or do something that makes somebody stop what they are saying or doing

In simple words: to stop someone while they are speaking or doing something

Examples

  • Please do not interrupt me while I am speaking.
  • He tends to interrupt others during meetings, which is quite rude.
  • The loud noise outside managed to interrupt our conversation.
  • You mustn't interrupt the flow of the presentation.
  • She interrupted him, excited to share her news.

Usage notes

Use 'interrupt' when talking about breaking into someone's conversation or action. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious in formal settings as it may be seen as rude if done excessively.

Grammar pattern

interrupt + object

Memory hint

Think of 'in-terrupt' as 'breaking into the route' of someone's speech.

Collocations

  • impatiently
  • rudely
  • angrily
  • be sorry to
  • (not) dare (to)
  • with
  • get interrupted

Synonyms

  • break in
  • interject
  • disturb
  • interfere
  • cut in

Antonyms

  • listen
  • allow
  • support

Common mistakes

  • Using 'interrupt' incorrectly when meaning to 'wait' or 'pause'.
  • Confusing 'interrupt' with 'interject', which implies a more formal or thoughtful interruption.
  • Saying 'interrupting to someone' instead of 'interrupting someone'.