standstill
UK: ˈstændstɪl | US: ˈstændstɪl
n. a complete cessation of movement or activity
n. a state of inactivity or stagnation
The word "standstill" is a compound formed by combining "stand" (from Old English standan, meaning "to remain upright") and "still" (from Old English stille, meaning "motionless or quiet"). The term emerged in the 16th century to describe a complete halt in movement or progress, leveraging the literal imagery of standing motionless. The logic is straightforward: if one "stands" and is "still," no forward motion occurs, hence a "standstill."
Traffic came to a standstill due to the accident.
Negotiations reached a standstill after hours of debate.
The factory's production was at a standstill during the strike.
The clock's hands were at a standstill, frozen in time.
Without new funding, research progress may grind to a standstill.