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

But Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby mustered just two shot attempts apiece, spending their time watching idly as the Knicks offense incessantly grinds into a standstill. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026

On Friday, Dhaka came to a standstill as Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, returned after 17 years in exile. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 30 Dec. 2025

The disruption brings one of Europe’s busiest international rail corridors to a near standstill during the New Year travel season. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025

Drivers reported being stuck in their cars for hours and footage from KABC showed a river of brake lights on the highway, as post-holiday travelers found themselves at a standstill. —Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 28 Dec. 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