red light

¹

noun

1. a red lamp, used as a traffic signal to mean “stop.”

2. an order or directive to halt an action, project, etc..

   There's a red light on all unnecessary expenses.

3. a children's running game in which players must stop when “Red light!” is called.

4. a signal of danger; warning.

red-light

²

[red-lahyt]

verb (used with object)

red-lighted, red-lighting 

1. Informal.,  to stop or deter by means of or as if with a red light.

red light

noun

1. a signal to stop, esp a red traffic signal in a system of traffic lights

2. a danger signal

3. an instruction to stop or discontinue

4. 1. a red lamp in a window of or outside a house indicating that it is a brothel

   2. ( as modifier )

      a red-light district

Word History and Origins

Origin of red light¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Origin of red light²

First recorded in 1895–1900

Related Words

• traffic signal www.thesaurus.com