standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop
brought traffic to a standstill

Examples of standstill in a Sentence

The accident brought traffic to a standstill. battled each other to a standstill
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for standstill 

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standstill was in 1702

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

standstill

noun
stand·​still -ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state marked by absence of motion or activity : stop
traffic was at a standstill

Medical Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still ˈstand-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest
cardiac standstill

More from Merriam-Webster on standstill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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