interrupt a cycle

[/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt ə ˈsaɪkəl/]
verb phrase
interromper um ciclo
1. to break or stop a repeating pattern or sequence of events
We need to interrupt this cycle of poverty to help the community.
Precisamos interromper este ciclo de pobreza para ajudar a comunidade.
2. to prevent something from continuing in its usual recurring pattern
Exercise can help interrupt a cycle of depression.
O exercício pode ajudar a interromper um ciclo de depressão.
3. to break a habitual or recurring behavior or situation
The new policy aims to interrupt the cycle of violence in schools.
A nova política visa interromper o ciclo de violência nas escolas.
This phrase is commonly used in social contexts in both Brazil and the USA when discussing systemic issues such as poverty, violence, or addiction. In Brazil, it often appears in social programs and educational contexts. In the USA, it's frequently used in public health, criminal justice, and poverty reduction discussions.
NYC Slang
break the cycle; stop the madness
Synonyms / Sinônimos
break a cyclestop a patternhalt a sequencedisrupt a routineend a cycle
Antonyms / Antônimos
continue a cycleperpetuate a cyclemaintain a patternsustain a sequence

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
interromper um ciclo
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cortar um ciclo
More colloquial variation meaning 'cut a cycle'
São Paulo
quebrar um ciclo
Alternative common usage meaning 'break a cycle'
Portugal
interromper um ciclo
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, formal and standard

Related Words

cyclepatternrepetitionbreak the cyclevicious cyclerecurringinterruption

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the cycle
vicious cycle
cycle of life
cycle of abuse
circular pattern
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