How to Sign "Interrupt"

To sign *interrupt*, hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with an open, flat handshape, fingers pointing up and the palm facing your dominant side. Form a similar flat handshape with your dominant hand. Move your dominant hand forward and sharply chop its pinky edge into the palm of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Interrupt" in a Sentence

1

Please don't interrupt me.

To sign this, point to yourself, shake your head with a firm facial expression to indicate 'don't', and perform the sign for interrupt.

2

I'm sorry to interrupt.

Start by signing 'sorry' with a closed fist rubbing in a circle over your chest, accompanied by an apologetic facial expression, then sign interrupt.

3

He always interrupts when I speak.

Point to the person to indicate 'he', sign 'always' by making a circle with your index finger, sign 'interrupt', and then sign 'talk' or 'speak'.

How to Sign "Interrupt"
To sign *interrupt*, hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with an open, flat handshape, fingers pointing up and the palm facing your dominant side. Form a similar flat handshape with your dominant hand. Move your dominant hand forward and sharply chop its pinky edge into the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. The stationary non-dominant hand represents an ongoing conversation, process, or boundary. The dominant hand chopping sharply into it perfectly illustrates an outside force suddenly cutting into or breaking that ongoing flow.
Signing Tips
When signing *interrupt*, make sure your non-dominant hand stays completely still to act as a solid base. The chopping motion of your dominant hand should be a single, sharp, and deliberate movement. This crisp action visually reinforces the sudden and abrupt nature of an interruption.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands toward each other, rather than keeping the non-dominant hand stationary. Another frequent error is tapping the hands together multiple times, which changes the meaning to 'bother' or 'interfere' rather than a single interruption.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Interrupt" in a Sentence
1

Please don't interrupt me.

To sign this, point to yourself, shake your head with a firm facial expression to indicate 'don't', and perform the sign for interrupt.

2

I'm sorry to interrupt.

Start by signing 'sorry' with a closed fist rubbing in a circle over your chest, accompanied by an apologetic facial expression, then sign interrupt.

3

He always interrupts when I speak.

Point to the person to indicate 'he', sign 'always' by making a circle with your index finger, sign 'interrupt', and then sign 'talk' or 'speak'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign as 'bother'?

They are very similar, but 'bother' or 'interfere' is typically signed by tapping the dominant hand into the non-dominant hand multiple times. 'Interrupt' is usually just one sharp, single chop.

Does my facial expression matter when signing this?

Absolutely! If you are apologizing for interrupting someone, you should have a polite, apologetic look. If you are firmly telling someone not to interrupt you, your face should look serious and firm.

Which hand should be the one moving?

Your dominant hand should always be the one making the active chopping motion. Your non-dominant hand simply acts as the stationary base receiving the action.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!