pause; interruption; break; cessation
Refers to a temporary stop or break in something that was continuous, such as a flow, supply, communication, or activity. Often used with 途絶える (とだえる), the verb form.
Traffic came to a halt due to the rain.
The break in communication was worrying.
Contact has been interrupted.
Customers kept coming without a break.
The conversation between the two kept breaking off.
断絶 implies a complete and often permanent severing of ties or connection, whereas 途絶え suggests a temporary lapse that may resume.
途絶え suggests a more complete cutting-off or cessation, while 途切れ is usually a temporary break that may resume.
継続 means an unbroken continuation of something, the opposite of 途絶え, which is a break or stoppage in that continuity.
Standard kanji spelling for this noun.
Alternate kanji form; less common than 途絶え.
Compound of 途 (way, path) and 絶え (discontinuation, from verb 絶える). The spelling 跡絶え uses 跡 (trace, mark) instead, emphasizing the disappearance of traces.