interruption 🔊
Meaning of interruption
An act of stopping or hindering a process or activity temporarily.
Key Difference
Interruption implies a break in continuity, often abrupt or unplanned, whereas synonyms may vary in intensity, duration, or context.
Example of interruption
- The loud fire alarm caused an interruption in the conference call.
- Her constant phone calls were an unwelcome interruption during the meeting.
Synonyms
disruption 🔊
Meaning of disruption
A disturbance that interrupts an event, activity, or process.
Key Difference
Disruption often implies a more chaotic or problematic break compared to interruption.
Example of disruption
- The power outage caused a major disruption in the factory's production line.
- The protest led to a disruption of traffic in the city center.
pause 🔊
Meaning of pause
A temporary stop in action or speech.
Key Difference
A pause is usually intentional and brief, while an interruption is often unplanned.
Example of pause
- He took a pause to gather his thoughts before continuing his speech.
- There was a brief pause in the music before the next song began.
halt 🔊
Meaning of halt
A complete stop, either temporary or permanent.
Key Difference
A halt suggests a more decisive stop, whereas an interruption may be temporary and minor.
Example of halt
- Construction work came to a halt due to heavy rain.
- The train came to a sudden halt when a tree fell on the tracks.
break 🔊
Meaning of break
A short interruption in an activity for rest or change.
Key Difference
A break is often planned or expected, unlike an interruption, which is usually unexpected.
Example of break
- Let’s take a short break before continuing the discussion.
- The TV show went on a commercial break.
hiatus 🔊
Meaning of hiatus
A pause or gap in a sequence, activity, or process.
Key Difference
Hiatus implies a longer or more formal pause, unlike a sudden interruption.
Example of hiatus
- The band went on a two-year hiatus before releasing their next album.
- After a long hiatus, she returned to her acting career.
suspension 🔊
Meaning of suspension
A temporary cessation of an activity or process.
Key Difference
Suspension often implies an official or deliberate stoppage, unlike an unplanned interruption.
Example of suspension
- The company announced the suspension of operations due to financial issues.
- The athlete faced a suspension from the tournament for violating rules.
interference 🔊
Meaning of interference
The action of interfering or disrupting a process.
Key Difference
Interference often implies an external force causing the disruption, while interruption can be internal or external.
Example of interference
- The radio signal experienced interference due to bad weather.
- Political interference delayed the passing of the new law.
obstruction 🔊
Meaning of obstruction
Something that blocks or hinders progress.
Key Difference
Obstruction suggests a physical or intentional blockage, whereas interruption is more general.
Example of obstruction
- A fallen tree caused an obstruction on the highway.
- The opposition party was accused of obstruction in passing the bill.
lapse 🔊
Meaning of lapse
A temporary failure or slip in concentration.
Key Difference
A lapse is often due to forgetfulness or error, while an interruption is an external stoppage.
Example of lapse
- A momentary lapse in judgment led to the accident.
- There was a lapse in communication between the teams.
Conclusion
- Interruption is a general term for an unexpected break in continuity, often abrupt and unplanned.
- Disruption can be used when the break causes disorder or chaos.
- Pause is best for intentional, brief stops in speech or action.
- Halt should be used when referring to a complete, often sudden stop.
- Break fits well for planned, short interruptions in work or activity.
- Hiatus is ideal for formal or extended pauses in events or careers.
- Suspension works for official or deliberate stoppages.
- Interference is appropriate when external factors cause disruption.
- Obstruction is used when something physically or intentionally blocks progress.
- Lapse applies when the interruption is due to a mistake or forgetfulness.