stoppage

American  

[stop-ij] / ˈstɒp ɪdʒ /

noun

1. an act or instance of stopping; stop; cessation of activity.

   the stoppage of all work at the factory.

2. the state of being stopped.

   During the stoppage of bus service he drove to work.

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stoppage British  

/ ˈstɒpɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act of stopping or the state of being stopped

2. something that stops or blocks

3. a deduction of money, as from pay

4. an organized cessation of work, as during a strike

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Etymology

Origin of stoppage

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; stop, -age

Example Sentences

This tentative deal is a promising signal that the Writers Guild could avoid a strike after 2023’s historic work stoppage that lasted 148 days.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

CAF stripped Senegal of its title on March 17, over the team's angry departure from the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Morocco late in second-half stoppage time.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The optics of a work stoppage are not good for anyone, Pereira said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Talk will now turn to bigger fights and world-titles after the unbeaten prospect recorded his 12th stoppage in 14 professional fights.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

It encouraged the leaders of twenty-four separate steel worker craft unions to come together under the banner of the AFL and stage a national work stoppage.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• blockage
• closure
• interruption
• layoff
• lockout
• shutdown
• walkout