Mothballing: meaning, definitions and examples
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mothballing
[ ˈmɔːθˌbɔːlɪŋ ]
temporary storage
Mothballing refers to the practice of putting something into temporary storage, especially for a long period, after which it is intended to be preserved or restored. This term is often used in the context of equipment, projects, or ships that are not currently in use but are maintained for future rehabilitation.
Synonyms
decommission, set aside, store away, suspend.
Examples of usage
- The company is mothballing its old manufacturing plant.
- They decided to mothball the project until they could secure more funding.
- The government plans on mothballing several military bases.
- After the season ended, the team mothballed the unused equipment.
Translations
Translations of the word "mothballing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desativação
🇮🇳 स्थगन
🇩🇪 Stilllegung
🇮🇩 penutupan
🇺🇦 консервація
🇵🇱 zawieszenie
🇯🇵 保管
🇫🇷 mise en sommeil
🇪🇸 suspensión
🇹🇷 müze
🇰🇷 중단
🇸🇦 إيقاف
🇨🇿 pozastavení
🇸🇰 pozastavenie
🇨🇳 停用
🇸🇮 ustavitev
🇮🇸 stöðvun
🇰🇿 тоқтату
🇬🇪 შეჩერება
🇦🇿 dayandırma
🇲🇽 suspensión
Etymology
The term 'mothballing' originates from the practice of using mothballs, which are small balls or crystals of a chemical like naphthalene. These substances were traditionally used to protect clothing and textiles from moths and other pests. The metaphorical use of 'mothballing' began in the mid-20th century, signifying the action of preserving something from deterioration by confining it and rendering it inactive, similar to how mothballs preserve fabric. Over time, 'mothballing' has evolved to represent the preservation of various entities, particularly in a business context, indicating a temporary cessation of operations while retaining ownership or potential for future use.