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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Much of that post-election rally was also fueled by optimism over the impending COVID-19 vaccine that promised to revive a global economy brought to a standstill. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Mars is slowing to a standstill by the end of November, and Mercury is too—meaning both of these planets, which are associated with planning, strategy, and execution, are about to be retrograde. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2024 In the final year of Dora's studies, World War II was at its height, and the daily devastation of the Blitz brought life to a standstill. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 When the line came to a standstill, people stepped out to stretch their legs. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 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 16 Nov. 2024.

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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