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standstill
noun
stand·still
ˈstan(d)-ˌstil
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop
brought traffic to a standstill
Synonyms
Examples of standstill in a Sentence
The accident brought traffic to a standstill.
battled each other to a standstill
Recent Examples on the Web
Over the weekend, that system came to a standstill.
—
Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 31 Jan. 2025
Between the lines: A firearm discovery brings the TSA line to a standstill until police resolve the incident — delaying travelers from getting to their gates.
—
Erin Alberty, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile Hezbollah's constant attacks against Israel following the October 7 Hamas invasion caused Israel to consider terminating the agreements, but for all practical purposes that belligerence mainly brought resource development to a standstill.
—
Daniel Markind, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
When Daphne Oz enters the ball for the evening, the room truly comes to a standstill.
—
Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1702, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing standstill
Dictionary Entries Near standstill
Cite this Entry
“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standstill. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
standstill
noun
stand·still
ˈstand-ˌstil
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest
cardiac standstill
More from Merriam-Webster on standstill
Nglish: Translation of standstill for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of standstill for Arabic Speakers
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