stock-still

[ stok-stil ]

adjective

1. completely still; motionless.

stock-still

adverb

1. absolutely still; motionless

Word History and Origins

Origin of stock-still¹

First recorded in 1425–75, stock-still is from late Middle English stok still. See stock, still ¹

Example Sentences

You had to memorize something and stand stock still with your hands behind your voice and just boom out in front of 500 people.

From The Daily Beast

And as the witness began to openly weep, his sobs filled the stock-still courtroom.

From The Daily Beast

But when he took his place to address the jury on this day he began by standing stock-still and speaking in a low, serious tone.

From The Daily Beast

They sat stock-still on the hardwood benches of the dank, makeshift cinema in Monrovia.

From The Daily Beast

But Mafuta, instead of taking this advice, suddenly stood stock still, as if he had been petrified!

From Project Gutenberg

It seemed as though a shiver ran through Kari's body, and he stopped stock still.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither the intellectual nor the moral character of any person stands stock-still: a man improves, or he declines.

From Project Gutenberg

He stood stock-still at one end while the fellows nearest him thrashed him unmercifully with the heavy knots.

From Project Gutenberg

The three men stood stock still, and gazed like owls solemnly into the dark.

From Project Gutenberg