Stopping: meaning, definitions and examples

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stopping

 

[ ˈstɒpɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

traffic

The action of bringing something to an end or preventing it from happening.

Synonyms

cessation, halting, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stopping

Used in everyday situations when something is simply put on pause or comes to a temporary halt.

  • They needed the stopping of traffic during the parade
  • He considered stopping the movie to go get some popcorn
halting

Typically suggests an abrupt or awkward stop, often implying hesitation or uncertainty. Can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • The car came to a halting stop after the engine failed
  • Her speech was halting, indicating her nervousness
cessation

Often used in formal or medical contexts to describe a complete and often permanent end. It can sometimes suggest a desirable outcome, like ending a harmful habit.

  • Doctors recommend cessation of smoking for better health
  • The treaty called for the cessation of hostilities
termination

Used in formal or official contexts, often related to employment or contracts. It implies a deliberate, final end and can have a negative connotation.

  • The termination of his contract was unexpected
  • They faced the termination of their services due to non-payment

Examples of usage

  • His abrupt stopping caused a chain reaction of screeching brakes and honking horns.
  • The stopping of the bus at every corner was making the journey longer than expected.
Context #2 | Verb

activity

Bring to an end or prevent from happening.

Synonyms

cease, halt, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stopping

Used in a general context to describe bringing something to an end temporarily or permanently. Often used in everyday speech and simple instructions.

  • We are stopping the car to take a break.
  • The rain isn't stopping anytime soon.
halt

Suitable for situations where a quick or abrupt stop is required. Often used in contexts involving movement or progress.

  • The train came to a halt due to technical issues.
  • The military operation was halted by the commander.
cease

Appropriate in formal or legal contexts where something needs to be permanently ended. It often implies a formal command or decision.

  • You must cease all unlawful activities immediately.
  • The company decided to cease operations in that region.
terminate

Best used in formal contexts, especially in business or employment, to indicate an official or final end to something. It has a definitive and often legal connotation.

  • The contract was terminated due to non-compliance.
  • Her employment was terminated after repeated warnings.

Examples of usage

  • He is stopping the production of the faulty product.
  • She tried to stop him from leaving but it was too late.

Translations

Translations of the word "stopping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 parando

🇮🇳 रोकना

🇩🇪 anhalten

🇮🇩 berhenti

🇺🇦 зупинка

🇵🇱 zatrzymywanie

🇯🇵 停止 (ていし)

🇫🇷 arrêt

🇪🇸 detener

🇹🇷 durma

🇰🇷 멈춤

🇸🇦 توقف

🇨🇿 zastavení

🇸🇰 zastavenie

🇨🇳 停止 (tíngzhǐ)

🇸🇮 ustavitev

🇮🇸 stöðvun

🇰🇿 тоқтату

🇬🇪 შეჩერება

🇦🇿 dayandırma

🇲🇽 detener

Etymology

The word 'stopping' originated from the Old English word 'stoppian', which means to block up or close. Over the years, the meaning evolved to include bringing something to an end or preventing it from happening. The verb form of 'stopping' is commonly used in various contexts to indicate the action of halting or ceasing something.

See also: stop, stopabble, stopgap, stopover, stoppage, stopped, stopper, stops, stopwatch, unstoppable, unstoppably.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,347 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.