red light

¹ American  

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.

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red-light ² American  

[red-lahyt] / ˈrɛdˈlaɪt /

verb (used with object)

red-lighted, red-lighting

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

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red light British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of red light¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Origin of red-light¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Illumination with red light is designed to rupture the cell, releasing cancer antigens that may activate the body’s immune system to fight the cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal

The car can think about and decide how to handle, say, a red light when a police officer is waving the car through.

From Barron's

I decided to light the warehouse with a red light to lend the energy of his music to this shoot and a very moody light for Sombr to reflect the ambience of his songs.

From Los Angeles Times

He was struck by a car in North Hills that ran a red light.

From Los Angeles Times

At MOCA, about 300 Angelenos braved an atmospheric river to sit in the darkened former police car warehouse bathed in red light.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• traffic signal