Stall

/stɔːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A compartment for animals in a stable or barn.

The horse was kept in its stall during the storm.

A booth or stand where goods are sold, especially in a market.

She bought fresh vegetables from a stall at the farmer's market.

A place for a specific activity, such as a restroom stall.

He waited for his turn in the restroom stall.

verb

To fail to maintain forward motion, typically in an aircraft.

The pilot had to recover quickly after the plane began to stall.

To stop or cause to stop temporarily.

The car began to stall as it climbed the steep hill.

To delay or procrastinate.

She decided to stall for time by asking the teacher more questions.

Middle English from Old English 'styr' or 'stall' meaning 'place or standing for a horse'

stall for time

To delay in order to gain time.

stall out

To cease to function, especially referring to an engine.

play for time

To use delaying tactics.

stable

A building for the lodging of horses.

impasse

A situation in which no progress is possible.

To stall someone's plans.

He stalled my plans by making excuses.

Playing for time in a conversation.

She's just stalling, trying to think of a good answer.