Interrupt Meaning
Interrupt Definition & Usage
To interrupt means to stop someone while they are speaking or performing an activity, typically by speaking or acting out of turn.
Examples
- "She interrupted him mid-sentence, causing the conversation to lose its flow."
- "Don't interrupt when someone is explaining their point; it's rude."
- "I had to interrupt the meeting to address an urgent issue."
- "He interrupted his presentation with a quick joke to lighten the mood."
- "The phone call interrupted my work, and I lost my focus."
To interrupt can also mean to disturb the normal progression or activity of something, such as a process, event, or task.
Examples
- "The rain interrupted our picnic, forcing us to seek shelter."
- "The loud noise from the construction site interrupted my concentration."
- "Her absence in the meeting interrupted the flow of information."
- "The power outage interrupted the broadcast halfway through the show."
- "I was about to start the task when a sudden phone call interrupted my plans."
To interrupt can also mean to interfere with someone's personal space, plans, or actions in a way that disrupts them.
Examples
- "She felt that her colleague constantly interrupted her ideas during the project discussions."
- "The traffic jam interrupted their journey, making them late for the appointment."
- "His behavior interrupted the flow of the meeting, causing frustration among the participants."
- "The manager interrupted the team’s work to announce an unexpected change in plans."
- "The phone ringing interrupted my meditation, causing me to lose focus."
Cultural Context
The word 'interrupt' derives from the Latin word 'interrumpere', which means 'to break between'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe both verbal and physical interruptions. It has a wide range of uses, from casual conversations to formal meetings and technical processes. The perception of interruption often depends on the context: while it can be seen as disruptive and rude, in some scenarios, such as debates or collaborative brainstorming, interruptions can be more acceptable.
The Unwanted Interruption
Story
The Unwanted Interruption
It was a quiet afternoon when Sarah sat down at the conference table, prepared for the most important meeting of the quarter. She had been working on the new proposal for weeks, and now it was time to present her ideas to the board. As she began, her voice steady and confident, she noticed Mark at the end of the table, shifting in his seat. Midway through her explanation, he suddenly interrupted. 'Actually, can I just say something about that point?' he asked, raising his hand but not waiting for her to finish. Sarah tried to remain composed, but it was clear that the flow of her carefully rehearsed presentation had been disrupted. She forced a smile. 'Sure, but I was just finishing my thought.' Mark smiled back, seemingly oblivious to the disruption he'd caused. Sarah paused, allowing him to share his input, though her mind raced with frustration. The interruption had thrown off her rhythm, and she could feel the momentum slipping away. As Mark spoke, Sarah couldn’t help but glance at the clock. She knew they were running out of time, and this delay wasn’t helping. When Mark finally finished, she resumed, but her words came slower, the enthusiasm that had started the meeting now tempered by the unexpected intrusion. The tension in the room was palpable, and she could feel the eyes of her colleagues on her. Despite her best efforts, the interruption had left an imprint on the meeting, one that would linger long after they adjourned.
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