timeout

Or time-out

[tahym-out]

noun

plural

timeouts 

1. a brief suspension of activity; intermission or break.

2. Sports.,  a short interruption in a regular period of play during which a referee or other official stops the clock so that the players may rest, deliberate, make substitutions, etc.

3. a short time alone used as a punishment or consequence for a child who is misbehaving.

4. Computers.

   1. the termination of a process or event that is taking longer than expected to proceed, and that is more likely to be successful if relaunched, resubmitted, etc.

   2. the severing of an online connection after a period of inactivity, as when a user is logged out of a secure session on a webpage after a fixed period of time.

Word History and Origins

Origin of timeout¹

First recorded in 1870–75; time ( def. ) + out ( def. )

Example Sentences

Notre Dame’s Frank Leahy aggressively recruited players, used deceptive offensive-line schemes and possibly encouraged phony injuries to win an extra timeout.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

A double fault handed Li another break, and Raducanu called for a medical timeout before retiring.

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During the first television timeout, members of the family will be acknowledged on the field near the heart.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After a Chargers timeout, the Broncos came out in a different line configuration that included right tackle Mike McGlinchey lined up at right guard, tight end Adam Trautman lined up at left tackle, and massive left tackle Garett Bolles at tight end.

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“I wanted to make sure they were doing the right things with the kids. Paperwork is a big issue, making sure the kids are cleared. During the game, I monitor when you call a timeout. I’m trying to make sure they learn practice structure.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times