standstill

[stand-stil]

noun

1. a state of cessation of movement or action; halt; stop.

   The ball rolled to a standstill.

standstill

/ ˈstændˌstɪl /

noun

1. a complete cessation of movement; stop; halt

   the car came to a standstill

Word History and Origins

Origin of standstill¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; noun use of verb phrase stand still

Idioms and Phrases

see come to a halt (standstill).

Example Sentences

Its production lines have been at a standstill since the start of September, following the attack.

From BBC

It has 1,250 employees mostly based in the West Midlands, but much like JLR's factories, its main plants in Coventry and Kidderminster have been at a virtual standstill for weeks.

From BBC

Most of the Asahi Group's factories in Japan have been at a standstill since Monday, after the attack hit its ordering and delivering system, the firm has said.

From BBC

Being self employed, Dowden said after her diagnosis her diary went from booked and busy to a complete standstill - and she feared she would never dance again.

From BBC

The car-maker's production lines have been at a standstill for more than a fortnight, with concerns growing that some companies reliant on the brand's business could go bust without support.

From BBC

Related Words

• dead end 
• deadlock 
• impasse 
• stalemate