interrupt

Everyday

1. To stop someone while they are speaking or doing something by saying or doing something yourself. tree →
2. To stop something for a short time: "Rain interrupted the match." tree →

In the lessons

In manners lessons, we learn not to interrupt; wait until the person finishes, or say "Excuse me". In an emergency it is right to interrupt an adult. In stories, an interruption often changes what happens next. Phrases: interrupt someone, sorry to interrupt, don't interrupt, interrupted by.

Examples

• Please don't interrupt when someone is talking. tree →
• Sorry to interrupt, but the bell has rung. tree →
• The game was interrupted by thunder. tree →
• He kept interrupting the teacher. tree →
• If someone is hurt, it's OK to interrupt. tree →
• A fire alarm interrupted our lesson. tree →
• “Now he is dead?” Pinocchio interrupted sorrowfully. tree →

Note

Regular verb: interrupted, interrupting. Spelling: double r — i-n-t-e-r-r-u-p-t. The noun is "interruption". Manners: put up your hand in class or say "Excuse me" and wait to be noticed, but always interrupt for safety or emergencies.