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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
Other services, such as state inspections, repairs and parts deliveries, have come to a standstill in some parts of the country.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 25 June 2024
The 2023 actors and writers strikes brought production to a standstill, leaving studios with fewer films to release in theaters.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 14 June 2024
The anger reached the heart of the EU, where demonstrators brought the Brussels city center to a standstill and pelted the European Parliament building with eggs.
—Marie Hyland, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2024
As the virus spread and cultural life came to a standstill, van Zweden returned to the Netherlands, where his wife and four children live.
—Javier C. Hernández, New York Times, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for standstill
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'standstill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Jul. 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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