Halt: meaning, definitions and examples
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halt
[hɒlt ]
Definitions
stop
To come to a stop; cease moving.
Synonyms
cease, pause, stand still, stop.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| halt |
Used in formal or military contexts where an abrupt stop is required.
|
| stop |
General term for ending an action or movement; can be both temporary and permanent.
|
| cease |
Appropriate in formal contexts or legal terms to indicate stopping something permanently.
|
| pause |
Used when a temporary stop or break is intended, often in conversations or actions.
|
| stand still |
Used to indicate complete immobility, often in a physical sense.
|
Examples of usage
- The car halted at the red light.
- The train halted abruptly.
- The soldiers halted their march.
stoppage
A temporary stop or interruption in a journey or process.
Synonyms
interruption, pause, standstill, stoppage.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| halt |
Usually signifies a complete stop, often used in situations where something must stop abruptly or immediately. Can also imply a longer and more definitive stop.
|
| stoppage |
Refers to a halt in a process or activity, often used in contexts like production, work, or sports. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying an unwanted or unexpected delay.
|
| pause |
Indicates a short and often deliberate stop, usually with the intention to resume afterward. Commonly used in speech, music, or ongoing activities.
|
| interruption |
Refers to a temporary stop or break in continuity, often used in communication or activities to indicate a short and temporary disruption.
|
| standstill |
Describes a situation where movement or activity ceases completely, often implying a static or frozen state. Can have a more formal or technical connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The train came to a halt.
- There was a halt in the production line.
- The negotiations came to a halt.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'halt' comes from Middle English 'halten', which meant to stop or make firm.
- It has its roots in the Old Norse word 'halda', meaning 'to hold' or 'to keep'.
- The use of 'halt' in English dates back to at least the 14th century, used mainly for stopping in a physical sense.
Military Terminology
- 'Halt' is a command frequently used in the military, instructing troops to stop moving immediately.
- In historical battles, the order to 'halt' could prevent confusion and maintain formation.
- The word emphasizes the importance of control and discipline in military operations.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often use 'halt' to indicate a pause in action or a moment of reflection.
- The term appears in various literary genres to signify a moment of decision or significant change.
- Modern literature sometimes uses 'halt' metaphorically, denoting an emotional or existential stop.
Philosophy
- Philosophers discuss the idea of 'halt' as a metaphor for pausing life’s actions to reconsider choices.
- In existential discussions, the act of halting can symbolize a moment of awareness or enlightenment.
- The concept can relate to mindfulness, encouraging individuals to stop and reflect on their surroundings.
Urban Culture
- In urban areas, graffiti artists often use the term 'halt' in their work to challenge passersby to stop and observe.
- The concept of halting in dance culture often refers to a pause in movement that creates impact in performances.
- Many protest movements use the call to 'halt' to demand attention to issues that require immediate action.
Translations
Translations of the word "halt" in other languages:
🇵🇹 parar
🇮🇳 रोक
🇩🇪 anhalten
🇮🇩 berhenti
🇺🇦 зупинити
🇵🇱 zatrzymać
🇯🇵 停止
🇫🇷 arrêter
🇪🇸 detener
🇹🇷 dur
🇰🇷 멈추다
🇸🇦 توقف
🇨🇿 zastavit
🇸🇰 zastaviť
🇨🇳 停止
🇸🇮 ustaviti
🇮🇸 stöðva
🇰🇿 тоқтату
🇬🇪 შეჩერება
🇦🇿 dayandırmaq
🇲🇽 detener