moratorium
UK: ˌmɒr.əˈtɔː.ri.əm | US: ˌmɔːr.əˈtɔːr.i.əm
n. a temporary prohibition or suspension of an activity
n. (law) an authorized delay in fulfilling a legal obligation
moratorium = mora<delay> + torium<noun suffix>
- mora (from Latin mora, meaning "delay" or "pause")
- torium (a noun-forming suffix, often used in Latin-derived words to denote a state or condition)
Etymology Origin:
The word moratorium originates from Latin mora ("delay") combined with the suffix -torium, which forms nouns indicating a place or state. It entered English in the late 19th century, initially in legal contexts to describe a legally authorized postponement. The term reflects the concept of pausing or suspending an action, often to allow time for resolution or reconsideration.
The government declared a moratorium on new construction permits.
The bank announced a six-month moratorium on loan repayments.
Environmental groups are calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
The committee voted to lift the moratorium on clinical trials.
During the crisis, a moratorium was placed on evictions to protect tenants.