standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil 

: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop

brought traffic to a standstill

Synonyms

• deadlock
• gridlock
• halt
• impasse
• logjam
• Mexican standoff
• stalemate
• standoff

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

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing standstill

• crawl to a stop/standstill

Kids Definition

standstill

noun

stand·​still -ˌstil 

: a state marked by absence of motion or activity : stop

traffic was at a standstill

Medical Definition

standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstand-ˌstil 

: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest

cardiac standstill