interjection

in·ter·jec·tion

noun \ˌint-ər-ˈjek-shən\

Definition of INTERJECTION

1

a : the act of uttering exclamations : ejaculation b : the act of putting in between : interposition

2

: an ejaculatory utterance usually lacking grammatical connection: as a : a word or phrase used in exclamation (as Heavens! Dear me!) b : a cry or inarticulate utterance (as Alas! ouch! phooey! ugh!) expressing an emotion

3

: something that is interjected or that interrupts

Examples of INTERJECTION

1. interjections such as “oh,” “alas,” and “wow”
2. <a chorus of angry interjections greeted the announcement that our flight would be delayed>

First Known Use of INTERJECTION

15th century

Related to INTERJECTION

Synonyms: cry, ejaculation, exclamation

Related Words: aah (also ah), ooh; holler, hoot, howl, shout, whoop, yell, yelp, yowl; scream, screech, shriek, squall, squeak, squeal

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Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with INTERJECTION

by-election, circumspection, conic section, disaffection, disconnection, disinfection, fuel injection, genuflection, golden section, imperfection, indirection, insurrection, intellection, intersection, introjection, introspection, kin selection, misdirection, predilection, preselection, recollection, redirection, reelection, reinfection, resurrection, retroflexion, retrospection, self-reflection, stage direction, vivisection, yeast infection