Meaning & Definition of Stall in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A compartment for an animal in a stable.

  Example Sentence: The horse was kept in a stall at the stable.

• Definition: An act of stopping or delaying.

  Example Sentence: He tried to stall the meeting with irrelevant questions.

• Definition: A place where goods are sold, such as a booth.

  Example Sentence: The market had many stalls selling fresh produce.

• Definition: To cause (an engine) to cease functioning.

  Example Sentence: The engine stalled as it climbed the steep hill.

• Definition: An interruption or pause in activity.

  Example Sentence: There was a stall in negotiations due to disagreements.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: establo

• French: box

• German: Box

• Russian: кошель

Related Words

• stable: A building for the lodging of horses.

• impasse: A situation in which no progress is possible.

Slang Meanings of stall

• Meaning: To stall someone's plans.

  Example Sentence: He stalled my plans by making excuses.

• Meaning: Playing for time in a conversation.

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