aposiopestic

/ˌæpəsaɪˈɒpɪstɪk/

Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or characterized by the act of stopping or pausing in speech

“The aposiopestic effect is often used in poetry to create a dramatic pause before the final line.”

2. noun

a pause or interruption in speech, especially one that is deliberately made for effect

“The aposiopestic moment in the play was where the actor suddenly stopped speaking to emphasize a point.”

Synonyms

  • interruptive
  • pausative

Antonyms

  • continuous
  • uninterrupted