red light
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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.
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Origin of red light
First recorded in 1840–50
Definition for red light (2 of 2)
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.
Origin of red-light
First recorded in 1895–1900
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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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
- a red lamp in a window of or outside a house indicating that it is a brothel
- (as modifier)a red-light district
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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