stasis

American  

[stey-sis, stas-is] / ˈsteɪ sɪs, ˈstæs ɪs /

noun

plural

stases

1. the state of equilibrium or inactivity caused by opposing equal forces.

2. Pathology. stagnation in the flow of any of the fluids of the body, as of the blood in an inflamed area or the intestinal contents proximal to an obstruction.

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stasis British  

/ ˈsteɪsɪs /

noun

1. pathol a stagnation in the normal flow of bodily fluids, such as the blood or urine

2. literature a state or condition in which there is no action or progress; static situation

   dramatic stasis

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Etymology

Origin of stasis

1735–45; < Greek stásis state of standing, equivalent to sta- (stem of histánai to make stand; see stand) + -sis -sis

Explanation

When nothing's happening, that's stasis. A town government might be stuck in a period of stasis, unable to come to a decision about a controversial issue. Sometimes opposing forces are equal in power, and since neither is stronger than the other, the result is a state where neither can gain any headway. This state is called stasis, and it is basically a stoppage of movement. In medicine, stasis describes the stopping of any bodily fluids from flowing, usually by an obstruction. The same idea is seen in literary stasis, where there is no forward movement in a story.

Example Sentences

The result is an uneasy stasis in British politics, as Labour lawmakers consider whether they need someone else to lead them into the next general election, which is slated for 2029.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Words become a texture of stasis, as when “winding” and “whirring” are repeated multiple times to describe Thorn Rose’s climb to the turret where she finds the fatal spindle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

But Taylor’s stasis is interrupted by the news that he may be granted early parole.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

So the stasis, i.e., inactive equilibrium, will remain.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

I continue down the hallway and find identical rooms, but no stasis pods.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera