Which word describes the act of temporarily halting something?

The term that accurately describes the act of temporarily halting something is "interrupt." This word specifically conveys the idea of stopping an ongoing action or process, often briefly, to pause or break its continuity. For example, if you are in the middle of a conversation and someone interjects, they are temporarily halting the flow of that conversation.

In contrast, "interject" refers to introducing something into a conversation or situation, typically without halting it entirely. "Disrupt" implies a more forceful or chaotic interruption that may not be temporary, often causing a significant disturbance to the normal state of affairs. "Resume" means to continue after a pause, which is the opposite of halting something. Understanding the nuances of these terms clarifies why "interrupt" is the most suitable choice for describing a temporary stop.