# standstill

/ˈstændˌstɪɫ/ (US) · /stˈændstɪl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/standstill
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a situation where all movement or activity stops completely. You use this when traffic, work, or a process cannot continue.

For teachers: a state in which all motion or progress has ceased. Often follows the verbs 'bring' or 'come' to describe the cessation of a process or physical movement.

## Examples

- The heavy snow brought traffic to a complete standstill.
- Negotiations between the two companies came to a standstill after they failed to agree on the final price.
- The sudden failure of the central server brought the entire production line to a standstill, leaving hundreds of workers idle while technicians scrambled to restore power.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the singular with the prepositions 'to' or 'at', specifically in the phrases 'come to a standstill' or 'at a standstill'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.