timeout

American  

[tahym-out] / ˈtaɪmˈaʊt /

Or time-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.

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Etymology

Origin of timeout

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

Example Sentences

Cleveland High coach Dagem Asfaw was yelling to his players at the end of the first half during a timeout to stop playing selfish basketball and start making the “extra pass.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Pelicans called a timeout, leading to James putting his head in the chest of a smiling Doncic.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bruins then lost Perry for the rest of the first half after he hit his chin while diving for a loose ball, pounding the court in frustration with a balled fist before holding a towel firmly against his injured chin during a timeout.

From Los Angeles Times

With 32 seconds remaining, Oregon called a timeout.

From Los Angeles Times

Redick said Saturday the Lakers flubbed eight of their 12 after timeout plays against Memphis on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times