stop dead in one's tracks

1 of 2

idiom (1)

: to stop suddenly
He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the shout.

stop (dead) in one's tracks

2 of 2

idiom (2)

: to stop suddenly
I stopped (dead) in my tracks when I saw the bear.

Dictionary Entries Near stop dead in one's tracks

stop (dead) in one's tracks

stop dead in one's tracks

stop down

Cite this Entry

“Stop dead in one's tracks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stop%20dead%20in%20one%27s%20tracks. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!