toll

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the amount of suffering, death, or damage caused by something bad like a war or an accident.

n. the cumulative amount of loss, damage, or suffering resulting from a specific event or condition.

“The heavy storm took a terrible toll on the small fishing village.”

“Years of working in the coal mines eventually took a heavy toll on his physical health and respiratory system.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

n. the slow, steady sound of a large bell ringing, often for a funeral.

n. the slow, rhythmic ringing of a bell, typically performed as a signal or during a solemn ceremony.

“The distant toll of the church bell signaled the start of the ceremony.”

“The mournful toll of the cathedral bell echoed through the valley, announcing the passing of the local dignitary.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to ring a bell slowly and repeatedly.

v. to sound a bell with slow, measured strokes, often to mark a death or a formal occasion.

“The monks began to toll the bell at midnight.”

“The bell was tolled twenty-one times to honor the fallen soldiers during the memorial service.”

C2 · Proficiency Law Technical · Formal

v. to officially stop a legal time limit for a short period.

v. to suspend or interrupt the running of a time period, such as a statute of limitations.

“The judge decided to toll the deadline because the lawyer was very ill.”

“The agreement included a provision to toll the statute of limitations while the parties attempted to reach a private settlement.”