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Standstill - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Standstill means a complete stop or halt in movement, progress, or activity. It is often used to describe situations where no further action or change occurs, such as traffic at a standstill.

standstill

/ˈstændˌstɪl/ /ˈstændˌstɪl/

Definition:

A complete halt or cessation of movement or progress.

Synonyms:

halt, stop, deadlock, impasse

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

movement, progress

Common Collocations:

come to a standstill, at a standstill, traffic standstill

Derivatives:

standstills (plural)

Usage Tips:

Use "standstill" to describe situations where all activity has stopped completely, often temporarily.

Common Phrases:

at a standstill, bring to a standstill, grinding to a standstill

Etymology:

Derived from "stand" + "still," meaning to remain motionless or inactive since the 16th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The traffic came to a standstill due to the accident.
  • 2. Negotiations reached a standstill after hours of debate.
  • 3. The factory's production was at a standstill during the strike.
  • 4. He brought the meeting to a standstill with his sudden announcement.

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