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 surge in fuel prices comes as the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor that typically moves about 20 million barrels of oil per day, remains at a virtual standstill due to the ongoing conflict. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 May 2026

Trump also said that no one knows the status of talks with Iran aside from himself and a handful of others, suggesting that negotiations are advancing despite the public appearance of a standstill. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 1 May 2026

The two sides appear to be at a standstill, accusing each other of wanting too much money. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

But though Venter raced the public project to a standstill — the two groups announced a tie on the White House lawn — the result, in business terms, was murkier. —Matthew Herper, STAT, 30 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