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Showstopper: meaning, definitions and examples

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showstopper

[ ˈʃoʊˌstɑːpər ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

entertainment industry

A showstopper is a performance, song, or act that receives such a positive reaction from the audience that it forces the show to pause momentarily to allow for applause or cheers.

Synonyms

crowd-pleaser, scene-stealer, show-stopping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
showstopper	Used to describe a performance or element in a performance that is so impressive it interrupts the flow of the show with applause. Can also refer to something that causes a significant delay or obstacle in a situation. Her solo was a real showstopper and had the audience on their feet The software bug turned out to be a showstopper that delayed the project
show-stopping	Used to describe something exceptionally excellent or beautiful that commands attention and admiration. She walked into the gala in a show-stopping red dress The show-stopping finale left the audience in awe
crowd-pleaser	Describes an entertainment act or performance that is especially popular and well-received by a wide audience. The movie was a crowd-pleaser, with everyone clapping by the end His jokes always make him the crowd-pleaser at parties
scene-stealer	Refers to a performer or character that draws attention away from others in a scene, often due to their exceptional performance. The child actor was a true scene-stealer, capturing everyone's attention Even surrounded by stars, her performance was a scene-stealer

Examples of usage

The final number of the musical was a real showstopper, with the audience giving a standing ovation.
Her solo performance was a showstopper, leaving the audience in awe.

Translations

Translations of the word "showstopper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fator decisivo

🇮🇳 महत्वपूर्ण बाधा

🇩🇪 Showstopper

🇮🇩 penghalang utama

🇺🇦 перешкода

🇵🇱 przeszkoda

🇯🇵 ショーストッパー

🇫🇷 obstacle majeur

🇪🇸 obstáculo principal

🇹🇷 önemli engel

🇰🇷 주요 장애물

🇸🇦 عائق رئيسي

🇨🇿 hlavní překážka

🇸🇰 hlavná prekážka

🇨🇳 主要障碍

🇸🇮 glavna ovira

🇮🇸 aðalhindrun

🇰🇿 негізгі кедергі

🇬🇪 მთავარი დაბრკოლება

🇦🇿 əsas maneə

🇲🇽 obstáculo principal

Etymology

The term 'showstopper' originated in the world of theater, where it refers to a performance that is so outstanding that it brings the show to a temporary halt due to the audience's overwhelming reaction. Over time, the term has been adopted in other entertainment industries, such as music and television, to describe similarly remarkable moments that captivate and impress audiences.