1.
to cease; to be interrupted; to die out
For something that had been continuing to stop or come to an end. Used for communication, traditions, supplies, sounds, and other things that were ongoing.
連絡が途絶えた。
Communication was cut off.
雨が途絶えて、空が明るくなった。
The rain stopped and the sky brightened.
後継者がいなくなり、何百年も続いた伝統が途絶えてしまった。
With no successor, a tradition that had lasted for hundreds of years died out.
途絶える is an intransitive ichidan verb. It emphasizes that something which was ongoing or continuous has come to a stop.
ASPECT (ている):
途絶えている describes a state where something has ceased and remains interrupted.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 連絡が途絶える (communication is cut off)
- 消息が途絶える (whereabouts become unknown)
- 伝統が途絶える (a tradition dies out)
- 足音が途絶える (footsteps cease)
- 供給が途絶える (supply is cut off)
Often conveys a sense of loss or concern. The transitive counterpart is 途絶やす (to cut off, to let die out), though it is less common.