coitus interruptus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Medical, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “coitus interruptus” mean?
A method of contraception where the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of contraception where the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation.
A sexual act or contraceptive technique terminated prematurely. Can be used metaphorically for something incomplete or stopped at the crucial moment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally formal and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
The term is clinical and dispassionate. In both varieties, it carries a formal, somewhat cold, medical connotation. Colloquially, 'pulling out' is the common phrase.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech for both. It is a specialist term encountered in medical texts, sexual health literature, and formal discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “coitus interruptus” in a Sentence
[Subject] practised ~The method of ~ is unreliable.They discussed ~.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coitus interruptus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase.
American English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase.
adverb
British English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase.
American English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase.
American English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Potential metaphorical use for a failed merger or abandoned negotiation.
Academic
Used in medical, public health, psychology, and sociology papers on contraception and sexual behaviour.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. The colloquial 'pulling out' is universal.
Technical
Standard term in medical and sexual health contexts, including textbooks and clinical guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coitus interruptus”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coitus interruptus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coitus interruptus”
- Incorrect declension (e.g., 'coitus interruptus' remains unchanged in English, never 'coitus interrupted').
- Using it in informal conversation sounds stilted and clinical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered one of the least reliable methods due to the presence of pre-ejaculatory fluid and the difficulty of perfect timing.
It is not recommended. It is a formal, medical term. In everyday speech, the colloquial phrase 'pulling out' or 'the withdrawal method' is used.
No, 'coitus interruptus' is a fixed noun phrase. The action would be described as 'to practise coitus interruptus' or 'to withdraw'.
Rarely, and usually in a deliberately humorous or erudite style, to describe something (like a negotiation or project) that was stopped abruptly just before completion.
A method of contraception where the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation.
Coitus interruptus is usually formal, medical, academic, technical in register.
Coitus interruptus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊɪtəs ˌɪntəˈrʌptəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊɪt̬əs ˌɪnt̬əˈrʌptəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Metaphorical) A coitus interruptus of a deal.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Interrupt-us during coitus: the act is interrupted before completion.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL INTERCOURSE IS A JOURNEY / PROCESS (which is halted before the destination/completion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'coitus interruptus' MOST appropriately used?