Stopped: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

stopped

 

[stɒpt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

Past simple and past participle of stop. To finish doing something or to make someone or something finish doing something.

Synonyms

cease, end, finish, halt, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stopped

General term indicating that an activity or action came to a halt. It is usually neutral.

  • He stopped running when he saw the finish line
  • The car stopped at the traffic light
halt

Implies a sudden or temporary stop. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The train came to a sudden halt
  • The construction work was halted due to safety concerns
cease

Formal term often used in legal or official contexts. It can imply something being halted permanently.

  • The company was ordered to cease operations immediately
  • Hostilities between the two nations will cease at midnight
finish

Often used to denote the completion of an action or task. It implies that something has been brought to its conclusion.

  • She finished her homework before dinner
  • He finished the race in first place
end

Commonly used to indicate the conclusion of an event or period. Generally, it has a final connotation.

  • The movie ended with a surprising twist
  • The school year will end in June
terminate

Formal term usually implying a deliberate and final end, sometimes with negative implications.

  • The contract was terminated due to a breach of terms
  • The project was terminated after funding was withdrawn

Examples of usage

  • He stopped talking and looked at me.
  • She stopped the car and got out.
  • The rain has finally stopped.
  • I stopped smoking a year ago.
Context #2 | Noun

transport

A place on a route where a vehicle stops for a short time to allow people to get on and off.

Synonyms

halt, stand, station, terminus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stopped

General stopping without specific implications.

  • The car stopped suddenly in the middle of the road
  • We stopped talking when the teacher entered the room
station

Being assigned or positioned at a place, often for a duty or task.

  • She was stationed at the main entrance to greet visitors
  • The soldiers were stationed at the border
halt

A sudden or forceful stop, often used in formal or authoritative contexts.

  • The captain ordered the soldiers to halt
  • The production line was halted due to a technical issue
stand

Remaining stationary, often in a vertical position or in a long-term scenario.

  • He had to stand in line for an hour to buy tickets
  • The old house still stands after decades
terminus

The final point or end of a route or process.

  • The bus reached its terminus at 5 PM
  • The terminus of the railway line is in the city center

Examples of usage

  • The bus stop is just around the corner.
  • We missed our stop and had to walk back.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word derives from the Old English 'stoppian', which means 'to close up' or 'to plug'.
  • It's related to the German 'stoppen' and Dutch 'stoppen', both of which mean 'to stop'.
  • The use of 'stopped' as the past tense appeared in English around the 15th century.

Pop Culture

  • The song 'Stop!' by the Spice Girls became an anthem in the 90s about stopping bad relationships.
  • Animated characters like Wile E. Coyote often stop suddenly in cartoons, creating humor through their abrupt halts.
  • Films commonly use the term when creating suspense - characters often 'stop' in crucial moments to build tension.

Psychology

  • The action of stopping can be tied to cognitive processes; pausing helps in decision-making.
  • Mindfulness practices encourage people to 'stop' their busy thoughts to focus on the present moment.
  • In therapeutic settings, 'stopping' negative thought patterns can lead to improved mental health.

Physics

  • In physics, stopping something usually involves converting kinetic energy into other forms such as heat.
  • The concept of 'stopping distance' is crucial in driving, dictating how long it takes to come to a complete halt.
  • When a moving object is stopped, forces such as friction play a significant role in the process.

Technology

  • In programming, 'stopped' might refer to processes that are halted intentionally or due to errors.
  • Popular tools like video players allow users to 'stop' playback, enabling control over viewing experiences.
  • In networking, a 'stopped' state may refer to devices that are not currently transmitting data.

Translations

Translations of the word "stopped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 parado

🇮🇳 रुका हुआ

🇩🇪 gestoppt

🇮🇩 berhenti

🇺🇦 зупинений

🇵🇱 zatrzymany

🇯🇵 止まった (とまった)

🇫🇷 arrêté

🇪🇸 detenido

🇹🇷 durdurulmuş

🇰🇷 멈춘

🇸🇦 متوقف

🇨🇿 zastavený

🇸🇰 zastavený

🇨🇳 停止 (tíngzhǐ)

🇸🇮 ustavljen

🇮🇸 stöðvaður

🇰🇿 тоқтатылды

🇬🇪 შეჩერებული

🇦🇿 dayandırılıb

🇲🇽 detenido

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,708, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.