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

Traffic on the streets around the Garden came to a standstill after the game as the NYPD maintained a heavy presence. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Since the war in Iran began in late February, shipping through the strait has been at a standstill, disrupting global trade of oil, gas, and other key economic commodities. —Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2026

Earth grinds to a standstill, with everyone glued to their screens as news anchors around the world react in real time to the shocking evidence. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Cartel violence may be less of an issue than street protests by groups trying to capitalize on the World Cup spotlight to cause unrest, traffic disruptions and bringing central parts of the city to a standstill. —ABC News, 10 June 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