French word

interpeller

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃tɛʁpɛle/

Meaning

  • verbstop

Example

Je l'interpelle dans la rue.

I stop him in the street.

Illustration for interpeller (stop)

More examples

Un client interpelle le serveur pour demander l'addition.

A customer gets the waiter's attention to ask for the check.

Core concept

A person is singled out in passing by a voice that breaks the flow and demands attention.

Common phrases

  • interpeller l'attention de quelqu'un

    get someone's attention

  • interpeller un passant

    hail a passerby

Similar words

appeler: Call someone by name or voice to get their attention.
attirer: Draw attention or interest.
arrêter: Stop a person or object from moving.

Definition in French

Appeler quelqu'un pour attirer son attention ou le faire s'arrêter.

Word origin

The French verb preserves the central idea of Latin interpellare: interrupting someone by addressing them.

Usage tips

  • In être interpellé par la police, interpeller means to be stopped and questioned, a formal or official use.

Other meanings

  • addressverb
  • call out toverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word