stasis
Americannoun
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stases
plural
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the state of equilibrium or inactivity caused by opposing equal forces.
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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.
noun
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pathol a stagnation in the normal flow of bodily fluids, such as the blood or urine
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literature a state or condition in which there is no action or progress; static situation
dramatic stasis
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing stasis
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
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The Last Cuentista
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The Hidden Oracle
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“If there was a credible plan that would cause this to be either slowed down or, you know, even held in stasis for a period of time, I would likely support that,” Gates said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
“Night Nurse” is more about the microcosm of this sleepy retirement community — where money and power still have influence, despite their stasis — than it is the outcome of Eleni and Douglas’ affair.
From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026
Research shows that vitality is improved by challenging avoidance, stasis and soothing habits—and instead leaning into uncertainty and discomfort.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 5, 2026
But Taylor’s stasis is interrupted by the news that he may be granted early parole.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2026
“They’ll come out of stasis automatically, about four years from now.”
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
