Checkpoint Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🛑

Add to dictionary

checkpoint

[ˈtʃɛkˌpɔɪnt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security

A location along a route where one may stop for rest, food, fuel, etc.

Synonyms

rest area, stopover, way station.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
checkpoint	A checkpoint can also refer to a saved or significant point in a process, such as in video games or project management. Make sure to save at the checkpoint before you move to the next level. We reached a major checkpoint in the project and it's time to review our progress.
stopover	A stopover refers to a short stay somewhere between the start and end of a journey, often used in the context of air travel. We have a 3-hour stopover in Munich before our connecting flight to Tokyo. During our trip, we had a brief stopover in Paris to visit the Eiffel Tower.
way station	A way station is a small station or stop along a route where travelers or cargo can briefly pause, often used historically for mail or railway journeys. The old way station served as a resting point for horse-drawn carriages. Trains would stop at the way station to pick up additional passengers.
rest area	A rest area is a place on the side of the road where travelers can stop to rest, often equipped with bathrooms, picnic tables, and sometimes vending machines. Let's stop at the next rest area to use the restroom and stretch our legs. The rest area has maps and brochures for tourists.

Examples of usage

We made a quick stop at the checkpoint to grab some snacks before continuing our journey.
The soldiers set up a checkpoint to inspect passing vehicles for contraband.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computing

A point in a program where the status of the program is saved and can be resumed later.

Synonyms

milestone, restore point, save point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
checkpoint	Used to describe a specific place where progress, security, or a task is evaluated, often in travel, games, and project management. We need to stop at the checkpoint to show our passports. He reached the checkpoint in the game, so his progress was saved.
save point	Commonly used in video games to describe a point where the game's progress is recorded and can be resumed later. Make sure you reach the save point before turning off the game. He was relieved to find a save point just before the difficult boss battle.
restore point	Used in the context of computing to refer to a saved state of a system to which you can return if something goes wrong. Before installing new software, create a restore point in case something goes wrong. Luckily, we were able to recover the lost data by returning to the restore point.
milestone	Used to describe a significant event or stage in a process, especially in projects, careers, or personal achievements. Graduating from college is a major milestone in one's life. The project reached an important milestone when the first prototype was completed.

Examples of usage

The program automatically creates a checkpoint every time a significant change is made.
Make sure to save your work frequently to avoid losing progress between checkpoints.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

travel

A place along a border or boundary where travelers' documents are checked.

Synonyms

border crossing, customs checkpoint, immigration control.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
checkpoint	A checkpoint is a general term for a place where security checks happen. It can be used in various contexts such as at borders, at airports, or within a country where authorities need to control or monitor the movement of people and goods. We had to stop at the checkpoint before entering the secure area The soldier asked for my identification at the checkpoint
border crossing	A border crossing is specifically a place where one crosses from one country to another. It involves scrutiny by border authorities and usually includes checkpoints for customs and immigration control. There was a long line at the border crossing We needed our passports for the border crossing
customs checkpoint	A customs checkpoint is a specific type of checkpoint where goods are inspected to ensure that they comply with import/export regulations, and to collect taxes or duties. These are typically found at borders and ports. The customs checkpoint was backed up with trucks waiting to be inspected We had to declare the items we bought abroad at the customs checkpoint
immigration control	Immigration control refers to the procedures and place where individuals' travel documents are checked to verify their eligibility to enter or exit a country. It is usually a part of more extensive border control operations. We had to pass through immigration control before entering the country Immigration control officers checked our visas and asked about the purpose of our visit

Examples of usage

Passports are checked at the checkpoint before entering the country.
The checkpoint was heavily guarded to prevent unauthorized entry.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

In video games, checkpoints are places where players save their progress and can respawn after failing.
Software development uses checkpoints to save ongoing work, allowing teams to track changes and recover from errors easily.
Data integrity relies on checkpoints to ensure systems can restore to known, stable points in case of failure.

Cultural Significance

Checkpoints have been key during historical conflicts, where they served as security measures between regions.
Festivals often use checkpoints for safety, managing crowds, and ensuring everyone follows the rules.
In literature, checkpoints can symbolize pivotal moments where characters face critical decisions in their journeys.

Psychology

Setting personal checkpoints in life can help individuals assess their goals and achievements regularly.
Psychologists recommend using checkpoints during learning to enhance memory and improve focus.
They can also serve as stress relief, helping people feel more in control and organized.

Sports

In races, checkpoints are critical to ensure participants are following the right path and are still in the competition.
Marathon organizers set checkpoints to monitor runners' health and distribute refreshments.
In adventure sports, checkpoints are used to ensure safety and the proper completion of routes.

Origin of 'checkpoint'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'check' meaning to inspect with 'point', hinting at a specific location to evaluate progress.
It first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century, evolving from military context.
Originally used in formatted tests and games to designate a stage of evaluation.

The term 'checkpoint' originated in the mid-20th century, derived from the combination of 'check' and 'point'. It initially referred to a designated point for checking or stopping, often used in military contexts. Over time, the term expanded to various fields such as travel, computing, and security, encompassing the idea of a specific location for verification or control.