time-out

time–out

noun

Definition of TIME-OUT

a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness <we need to take a time-out from our relationship to think things over>

Synonyms layoff, time-out, winter

Related Words break, breath, breather, interruption, lull, pause, recess; abeyance, doldrums, dormancy, latency, quiescence, suspense, suspension

Ask The Editor Videos

 

2014 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

 

How the Months Got Their Names

 

Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

Old-School Grammar

 

Schwa

 

That vs. Which

 

i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Longest Word in the Dictionary

           

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up time-out? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).