standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil 

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

brought traffic to a standstill

Synonyms

• 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

Other protesters destroyed traffic signs and other infrastructure, causing traffic to come to a standstill in the area. —CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025

All four remain at a contractual standstill that's showing no signs of abating anytime soon. —Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Advocates say that means the process to add new conditions to the WTC Health Program – including AAT, as well as some cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders and cognitive problems – is at a standstill. —Liz Neporent, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025

Driving impressions The Sportage hybrid accelerates well from a standstill. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025

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