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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
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
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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 15 Nov. 2024.
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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