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.
Unemployment Las Vegas came to a complete standstill during the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving thousands out of work. Paula Ramon, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 With Butler and the Heat at a standstill, his camp appears to be playing the media game to begin building leverage ahead of free agency next offseason. Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 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 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 22 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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