noun / verb
stop
STAHP/stɑːp/
A cessation of passage or activity.
The cyclist comes to a stop before the fallen branch.
Etymology
Middle English stoppen meant to block a passage by filling or plugging it. Preventing a flow by blocking an opening supplied the image for halting movement or ending an activity.
In context
Will you stop fighting among yourselves? Stop it. That's enough of that.
More examples
- The workers stop drilling when the alarm sounds.
- We wait at the bus stop every morning.
- A metal stop prevents the drawer from sliding out.
- The first sound in “cat” is a stop.
Forms
stop · stops · stopped · stopping
stoppage noun — A temporary halt in work or activity.