definitions

red-light

[ red-lahyt ]
/ ˈrɛdˈlaɪt /
|

verb (used with object), red-light·ed, red-light·ing.

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

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Nearby words

red-lead ore, red-lead putty, red-legged partridge, red-letter, red-letter day, red-light, red-light district, red-osier dogwood, red-pencil, red-short, red-shouldered hawk

Origin of red-light

First recorded in 1895–1900

Definition for red-light (2 of 2)

red light

noun

a red lamp, used as a traffic signal to mean “stop.”
an order or directive to halt an action, project, etc.: There's a red light on all unnecessary expenses.
a children's running game in which players must stop when “Red light!” is called.
a signal of danger; warning.

Origin of red light

First recorded in 1840–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for red-light

British Dictionary definitions for red-light

red light

noun

a signal to stop, esp a red traffic signal in a system of traffic lights
a danger signal
an instruction to stop or discontinue
  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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012