interrompre
Il a interrompu la réunion pour prendre un appel.
He interrupted the meeting to take a call.
To stop someone from speaking or doing something by intervening, often abruptly.
Elle a interrompu son travail pour répondre au téléphone.
She interrupted her work to answer the phone.
N'interromps pas quand quelqu'un parle.
Don't interrupt when someone is speaking.
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Can imply rudeness if done impolitely.
To break the continuity or flow of an action, event, or process.
La pluie a interrompu le match de tennis.
The rain interrupted the tennis match.
Often used in technical or descriptive contexts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Polite Interruptions
In French, it's considered rude to interrupt someone mid-sentence. Use 'Excusez-moi de vous interrompre, mais...' to politely interject.
Gold Rule
Conjugation Note
'Interrompre' is an irregular verb in French. Its conjugation follows the pattern of 'rompre' (to break). Example: 'Je romps' (I break), 'J'interromps' (I interrupt).
Word Origin
From Latin 'interrumpere' (to break in between), composed of 'inter-' (between) and 'rumpere' (to break). The word entered French in the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Use 'interrompre' for both physical interruptions (e.g., a loud noise) and social interruptions (e.g., cutting someone off while speaking). In polite contexts, 'excuser' or 'pardonner l'interruption' may soften the interruption.