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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
The court filing claims the disruption brought the U.S. healthcare system to a standstill, with hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics unable to process insurance claims or access vital patient information.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Over 2,700 flights were cancelled, US border checkpoints had to temporarily ditch their digital systems, FedEx and UPS packages were delayed, Social Security offices and DMVs came to a standstill, and healthcare facilities switched to manual operations.
—Pcmag Staff, PCMAG, 17 Dec. 2024
The crash occurred around 7 p.m. in Harrison, approximately 25 miles northeast of Manhattan, bringing traffic on the highway to a standstill.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
In Ukraine, neither side seems near victory, but the war has not yet ground to a standstill.
—Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2024
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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 9 Jan. 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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