stall
UK: stɔːl | US: stɔːl
n. a compartment for an animal in a stable or barn
n. a small stand or booth for selling goods
v. to delay or stop progress intentionally
v. (of an engine or vehicle) to stop suddenly due to lack of power
The word "stall" traces back to Old English steall, meaning "standing place" or "position," derived from Proto-Germanic stallaz. It originally referred to a fixed spot for animals or objects. Over time, it expanded to include market booths (a "standing" sales spot) and later acquired the verb sense of "coming to a standstill" (e.g., an engine stalling). The core idea of "standing" unites all meanings.
The horse returned to its stall after the ride.
She runs a flower stall at the weekend market.
The politician tried to stall the debate with lengthy speeches.
The car engine stalled at the traffic light.
Don’t stall—give me a clear answer now.