standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil 

: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop

brought traffic to a standstill

Synonyms of standstill

• halt

Examples of standstill in a Sentence

The accident brought traffic to a standstill.

battled each other to a standstill

Recent Examples on the Web

The Palmetto Expressway is at a complete standstill in Miami-Dade after a major crash was reported during the morning commute on Friday. —Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

The result of days of negotiations Thursday’s proceedings came to a standstill as lawmakers retreated behind closed doors and Johnson reached for an agreement to resolve the standoff. —Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

The hourslong bombardment follows a short Easter ceasefire,with peace talks to end the war at a standstill as the United States focuses on the Iran war. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026

Leon’s initial order to halt construction emphasized that the project must remain at a standstill until Congress authorizes its completion. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing standstill

• crawl to a stop/standstill

Rhymes for standstill

• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill
• dunghill
• foothill
• fulfil
• fulfill
• goodwill

Kids Definition

standstill

noun

stand·​still -ˌstil 

: a state marked by absence of motion or activity : stop

traffic was at a standstill

Medical Definition

standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstand-ˌstil 

: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest

cardiac standstill