standstill

[ stand-stil ]

noun

1. a state of cessation of movement or action; halt; stop:

   The ball rolled to a standstill.

standstill

/ ˈstændˌstɪl /

noun

1. a complete cessation of movement; stop; halt

   the car came to a standstill

Word History and Origins

Origin of standstill¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; noun use of verb phrase stand still

Idioms and Phrases

see come to a halt (standstill) .

Example Sentences

Mass deportations might bring economic growth to a standstill.

From Salon

The call for protest echoes weeks of demonstrations that brought Tbilisi's central Rustaveli Avenue to a standstill for weeks earlier this year.

From BBC

The use of AI was a major factor in the strikes that brought Hollywood to a standstill last year.

From BBC

But Israel moved first, implementing plans it had developed since Hezbollah fought it to a standstill in the 2006 war.

From BBC

Outside Dodger Stadium, the streets of Elysian Park are at a standstill.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dead end
• deadlock
• impasse
• stalemate