Moratoria Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⏳
moratoria
[mɔːrəˈtɔːriə ]
Definition
legal term
A moratorium is a temporary prohibition or suspension of an activity or law, often imposed by a government or organization. It is typically enacted to allow for further assessment, negotiation, or to address a particular issue or crisis.
Synonyms
cessation, halt, interval, suspension.
Examples of usage
- The government declared a moratorium on evictions during the pandemic.
- A moratorium on new mining operations was put in place to assess environmental impacts.
- The city council is considering a moratorium on new housing developments.
- Due to safety concerns, a moratorium was announced on aerial spraying of pesticides.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'moratoria'
The term 'moratorium' originates from the Latin word 'moratorius,' which means 'delaying' or 'that which causes delay.' Its roots can be traced back to 'mora,' meaning 'delay' or 'to delay.' The word began to be used in English in the mid-19th century, particularly in legal contexts to refer to temporary suspensions of legal obligations or procedures. It has since evolved to encompass a wider range of applications, including finance, environmental policy, and regulations in various sectors. The concept is often invoked in times of crisis or uncertainty to provide relief or allow for thoughtful consideration of the implications of certain actions or policies.