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 market may be underestimating the risk of a prolonged oil standstill. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

The Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, in Ituri province, came to a standstill after doctors, nurses and security staff stopped work. — Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

Commerce has come to a virtual standstill, with shops shuttered and the internet restricted. — Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 26 July 2026

The Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, Ituri province, came to a standstill after doctors, nurses and security staff stopped work. — ABC News, 25 July 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