noun
moratorium
mo-ruh-TAW-rih-uhm
noun
1
An official, temporary halt to an activity or agreement.
"The government declared a moratorium on new building permits."
"The bank granted the company a moratorium on its loan repayments."
How to Use Moratorium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA temporary official suspension of some activity, rule, or repayment.
Common pairings
a moratorium on
declare a moratorium
lift a moratorium
Word Forms
moratoriums plural, moratoria plural
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The government declared a _____ on new building permits.
Etymology
From New Latin moratorium, from Latin moror, "to delay," from mora, "delay."