halt
20 synonyms and 2 antonyms for halt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To stop moving or operating, or to cause something to stop.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
How to use halt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
come to a halt
grind to a halt
halt production
Etymology
From Old English healtian, "to limp" — the sense narrowed over time to mean simply "to stop."
Full origin of halt →Frequently asked questions
What does “halt” mean?
The word “halt” means to stop moving or operating, or to cause something to stop. In plain terms, to stop, or bring something to a stop.
How do you pronounce “halt”?
“Halt” is pronounced holt (/hɑlt/ in IPA).
How do you use “halt” in a sentence?
Here is “halt” used in a sentence: “The train halted suddenly at a red signal.”
What is another word for “halt”?
Words with a similar meaning to “halt” include brake, desist, stay, immobilize, terminate and shut down.
What part of speech is “halt”?
Depending on how it is used, “halt” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “halt” come from?
The word “halt” comes from Old English. From Old English healtian, "to limp" — the sense narrowed over time to mean simply "to stop.".
Is “halt” a common word?
“Halt” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “halt” have?
“Halt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stop moving or operating, or to cause something to stop.
What is the difference between 'halt' and 'stop'?
They are close in meaning, but 'halt' is more formal and often sounds more abrupt, suggesting a sudden or ordered stop. 'Stop' is the everyday, neutral word that fits almost any situation.
What is the difference between 'halt' and 'pause'?
A halt is usually a full stop of movement or activity, while a pause is a short, temporary break made with the intention of continuing. A halt can be temporary too, but it suggests a more complete cessation than a pause.
