verb
Common
halt
holt
Halt (verb) means to stop moving or operating, or to cause something to stop. Example: “The referee halted the match when a thick fog rolled onto the pitch.”
verb
1
To stop moving or operating, or to cause something to stop.
"The referee halted the match when a thick fog rolled onto the pitch."
"The train halted suddenly at a red signal."
"Officials halted construction after the discovery."
noun
1
A stop, especially a temporary one.
"The bus ground to a halt in the middle of the road."
"Let's call a halt to the meeting and take a short break."
"Work came to a halt when the funding ran out."
How to use halt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stop, or bring something to a stop.
Common pairings
come to a halt
grind to a halt
halt production
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Word forms
- Plural
- halts
- Third person singular
- halts
- Past tense
- halted
- Comparative
- more halt
- Superlative
- most halt
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The referee _____ the match when a thick fog rolled onto the pitch.
Etymology
From Old English healtian, "to limp" — the sense narrowed over time to mean simply "to stop."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for halt
See all rhymes for 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.
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