stop payment

noun

1. an order by the account holder to the bank not to pay a specified check or other charge.

stop payment

noun

1. an instruction to a bank by the drawer of a cheque to refuse payment on it

Word History and Origins

Origin of stop payment¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Idioms and Phrases

Instruct a bank not to honor a check one has drawn, as in If that check was lost, we'll have to stop payment on it before issuing another . This usage was first recorded in 1722.

Example Sentences

Sailed with crew and elephant to cash check before G. Ward can get ashore to stop payment.

From Project Gutenberg

Very frequently banks have been obliged to stop payment; that is, to refuse to perform their promises.

From Project Gutenberg

The bank should be notified to stop payment on the lost check, and you can then send another check in place of the first one.

From Project Gutenberg

We are held responsible for all checks passed after we have received notice to stop payment.

From Project Gutenberg

But you have the upper hand, you know, for if I become too impertinent, you can always stop payment on your checks.

From Project Gutenberg