pause

1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯz 

1

: a temporary stop

2

a

: a break in a verse

b

: a brief suspension of the voice to indicate the limits and relations of sentences and their parts

3

: temporary inaction especially as caused by uncertainty : hesitation

4

a

: the sign denoting a fermata

b

: a mark (such as a period or comma) used in writing or printing to indicate or correspond to a pause of voice

5

: a reason or cause for pausing (as to reconsider)

a thought that should give one pause

6

: a function of an electronic device that pauses a recording

pause

2 of 2

verb

paused; pausing

intransitive verb

1

: to stop temporarily

2

: to linger for a time

transitive verb

: to cause to pause : stop

Synonyms

Noun

• break
• breath
• breather
• interruption
• lull
• recess

Verb

• break

Examples of pause in a Sentence

Noun

There was a brief pause in the conversation.

After a pause the teacher continued the lesson.

He hit pause on the player and explained the significance of the song's lyrics.

Please hit the pause button on the remote control.

Verb

She paused for a few seconds before crossing the street.

We paused briefly to look at the scenery.

He talked for over an hour without pausing.

He picked up the remote control and paused the movie.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The film sees Williams, represented via a CGI monkey, start to reconnect with childhood friends after briefly hitting pause on his solo career. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2025

What To Know Friday's execution will be the first in the state following a pause over the Christmas holiday. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Verb

Suspension of Federal Financial Assistance The Trump administration has temporarily paused the obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance across various programs. —Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes, 29 Jan. 2025

The memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget states that as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, federal agencies must pause the disbursement of federal financial assistance to evaluate programs and activities that may not be aligned with Trump’s policies. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin pausa, from Greek pausis, from pauein to stop

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pause

• give (someone) pause
• give (someone) pause for thought
• without pause

Kids Definition

pause

1 of 2 noun

ˈpȯz 

1

: a temporary stop or rest

2

: the sign {fermata} placed over or under a musical note, chord, or rest to show that it is to be held longer than usual

3

: a reason for pausing

a thought that should give pause

pause

2 of 2 verb

paused; pausing

1

: to stop temporarily

2

: to linger for a time

pause on a high note

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pause "a temporary stop, pause," from Latin pausa "a pause" — related to repose entry 1