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

According to classical physics, the motion of these particles can be brought to an absolute standstill by cooling them, but quantum mechanics tells us otherwise. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026

The surprise agreement came within weeks of negotiation — a stark contrast to the contentious contract negotiation three years ago when Hollywood writers went on a historic strike that partially brought the industry to a standstill. —ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026

Contract negotiations between Starbucks and the union have been at a standstill. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

Negotiations between Starbucks and union have been at a standstill for more than a year. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 2 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