doorstop

American  

[dawr-stop] / ˈdɔrˌstɒp /

noun

1. a device for holding a door open, as a wedge or small weight.

2. Also called stop.  Also called slamming stile.  (in a doorframe) a strip or projecting surface against which the door closes.

3. a device for preventing a door from striking a wall or an object on a wall, as a small rubber-covered projection.

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doorstop British  

/ ˈdɔːˌstɒp /

noun

1. a heavy object, wedge, or other device which prevents an open door from moving

2. a projecting piece of rubber, etc, fixed to the floor to stop a door from striking a wall

3. informal a very thick book

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Etymology

Origin of doorstop

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; door + stop

Example Sentences

"I don't want it to be a doorstop or in the bottom drawer, I want it to be on the mantelpiece."

From BBC

Ignoring this opportunity is like discovering the Rosetta Stone and using it as a doorstop.

From MarketWatch

The move comes as the delivery sector suffers from increasing competition as people shop more online and get shopping delivered to their doorstops.

From BBC

And he didn’t foreclose a future bid for governor, keeping the possibility propped open with this rhetorical doorstop: “Never say never.”

From Los Angeles Times

Additionally, while this isn’t size related, the doorstop on the floor is nearly invisible, especially at night.

From Salon