standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
Synonyms of standstillnext
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop
brought traffic to a standstill

Synonyms of standstill

Examples of standstill in a Sentence

The accident brought traffic to a standstill. battled each other to a standstill
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another video showed more vehicles at a standstill at an intersection filled with people. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 July 2026 Gallagher said nearly all new renewable projects across the US are at a standstill. Adam Burke, NPR, 6 July 2026 But jam open the throttle just off standstill and that front-end does get light. New Atlas, 3 July 2026 Mountain Time in the Black Hills, traffic is already at a standstill on Highway 244, two miles southwest of Mount Rushmore, near Keystone, and two hours before doors open for ticketholders. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for standstill

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standstill was in 1702

Cite this Entry

“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standstill. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still -ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state marked by absence of motion or activity : stop
traffic was at a standstill

Medical Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still ˈstand-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest
cardiac standstill

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