A temporary break or pause in continuity, activity, or speech, typically caused by an external intervention. Interruptions disrupt the normal flow of events or communication.
From Latin 'interrumpere' (to break apart), combining 'inter' (between) and 'rumpere' (to break). The word literally means 'to break between,' capturing the essence of something cutting into an ongoing process.
Your brain actually craves interruptions every 20 minutes—it's called 'attention residue'! What we consider disruptive interruptions might actually be cognitive breaks that help prevent mental fatigue and maintain focus.
Conversational interruption studies show men interrupt women at higher rates in mixed-gender settings, and these interruptions are more tolerated socially; language coding interruption as universally rude misses gendered power dynamics.
Name interruption patterns explicitly when they differ by gender; avoid neutral 'interruption' framing that erases whose speech is devalued.
Research on women's contributions in meetings shows interruption as barrier to voice; interventions to equalize turn-taking restore women's visibility.
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