Interregnum
/ˌɪntərˈrɛɡnəm/
nounC2
Definition
Interregnum means the time gap when there is no official leader or ruler in charge. This often happens after one leader leaves or dies and before the next one takes power. It can also mean any pause or break in normal control or government.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Time period without a ruler or official leader
- •After the king died, there was an interregnum before the new king was crowned.
- •The country faced an interregnum that caused confusion and power struggles.
- •During the interregnum, the government was run by temporary officials.
Any gap or pause in normal control or authority
- •The company experienced an interregnum between CEOs.
- •There was an interregnum in the project when no one was managing it.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "interregnum" like a "break" or "pause" (A1 words), but for leadership or rule, not just any break.
- ✓Picture a king’s throne empty between two kings—no one sitting there for a while.
- ✓It feels like waiting in a quiet room before an important meeting starts, when nothing is decided yet.
- ✓Sounds like "inter-REG-num" → imagine a "REGent" (ruler) missing in the middle ("inter") period.
- ✓In stories or history, interregnums happen when kingdoms or countries are uncertain because no one rules.
- ✓NOT like "rule" (when someone is in charge), interregnum is the opposite—no one is in charge.
- ✓NOT like "vacation" (a planned break), interregnum is an unplanned or forced gap in leadership.
- ✓NOT like "transition" (smooth change), interregnum can be uncertain or chaotic time without clear control.
Try Other Words
- •Gap: a space or time when something is missing (Use when the focus is on the empty time, not just leadership)
- •Vacancy: an empty position or job (Use when talking about a missing leader or official role)
- •Pause: a short stop or break (Use when the break is short and less serious)
- •Interval: a period between events (Use for neutral time periods, not necessarily about leaders)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "inter-" (between) + "regnum" (rule, kingdom)
- •Etymology: From Latin "interregnum," meaning "between reigns" or "between rulers"
- •Historical development: Used in history to describe times when there was no king or ruler on the throne
- •Modern usage: Used in politics, history, and sometimes business to describe times without clear leadership
- •Key insight: The word shows a special kind of "between time" focused on leadership or power absence
Reflect & Connect
•How does an interregnum affect the people living in a country or organization?
•Can an interregnum ever be a positive time for change or new ideas? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.The interregnum happened because the previous leader ___ suddenly, and the new leader was not ready yet.
2.During an interregnum, people often feel ___ because no one is making important decisions.
3.An interregnum is different from a smooth transition because it involves a ___ period without clear control.
4.Sometimes, organizations use the interregnum to ___ and plan new directions before choosing a new leader.
5.The CEO position was vacant, creating an interregnum that lasted ___ months.
6.When a country is in interregnum, there is usually a temporary government or ___ to keep things running.
7.The interregnum ended when the new leader was ___ and officially took power.