Halt

/hɔlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A temporary stop or pause.
The bus made a brief halt at the rest area.
An interruption in movement or progress.
After a long halt, the project resumed its activities.
verb
To stop or cause to stop.
The train will halt at the next station.
To bring to a halt; stop.
She raised her hand to halt the discussion.
To stop moving or operating.
The vehicle came to a halt at the red light.

Etymology

Middle English 'halt', from Old High German 'halta', meaning 'to hold back'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

halt and catch fire
A computer term referring to a situation where a machine becomes unresponsive.
halt the presses
An expression used to indicate an urgent need to stop publication.

Related Words

stop
To cause to cease moving or operating.
pause
A temporary stop or break.
break
An interruption in something.

Slang Meanings

Put on the brakes.
When you realize you've messed up, just halt everything.
Call it a day.
After three hours of studying, I decided to halt for the night.