[with obj.]suspend or discontinue (an action or practice) for a time 暂停,间断;中断 he was urged to intermit his application. 大家劝他休息一下,不要一味用功。 [no obj.](especially of a fever or pulse) cease or stop for a time. (尤指发烧或脉搏)暂停,中断。
语源
mid 16th cent.: from Latin intermittere, from inter- 'between' + mittere 'let go'