stop
verb (transitive)
UK/stɒp/US/stɑːp/
To cease moving or progressing; to bring or come to a halt; to discontinue an action or process.
Example Sentences
He decided to stop running when he felt a sharp pain in his knee.
They tried to stop the leak before it caused significant water damage to the house.
Please stop talking while I’m on the phone so I can hear the caller clearly.
If the red light is flashing, you must stop your vehicle immediately and wait for further instructions.
She wanted to stop smoking to improve her health and save money on cigarettes.
The principal stepped in to stop the argument from escalating in the school hallway.
Some computer programs will stop responding if they encounter critical errors, requiring a forced shutdown or restart.
In a moment of self-discipline, he decided to stop checking social media throughout the workday, noticing how it improved his concentration and productivity.
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noun (countable)
UK/stɒp/US/stɑːp/
A place or instance where someone or something comes to a halt or is paused; a location where buses, trains, etc. pick up or drop off passengers.
Example Sentences
Our next stop is the museum, where we’ll explore the new art exhibit.
She waited at the bus stop, shielding herself from the rain under a small awning.
The train made an unexpected stop when a technical issue arose on the tracks.
At each stop, the tour guide shared fascinating historical facts about the city’s landmarks.
He made a quick stop at the grocery store for milk and bread on his way home.
Some people view college as a stop on their journey toward a professional career, using it as a stepping stone to gain expertise and network.
You can’t park in front of a fire hydrant because it’s an emergency vehicle stop, and you could obstruct first responders in a crisis.
After a long drive, she pulled over at a rest stop to stretch, grab a coffee, and plan the remaining leg of the trip.
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How to Use
A short directive to cease an ongoing action or motion.This term can act as both a verb and a noun, making it exceptionally versatile in everyday language. As a verb, it implies bringing any activity or motion to a halt: “Stop talking,” “Stop the car,” or “Stop playing music.” When you use it in commands or requests, you clearly show an urgent desire for someone or something to cease its current course of action. In more nuanced contexts, “stop” can convey interruption of an internal process or mindset, such as “Stop worrying.”As a noun, “stop” often refers to a physical place or point where something halts or pauses. For instance, “bus stop” names the designated location where buses discontinue movement to pick up passengers. It’s also seen in phrases like “full stop,” meaning the punctuation mark (.) in British English, representing a definitive end to a sentence. Understanding these different uses helps you ensure clarity in both casual talk and formal writing. By identifying whether you’re using “stop” as a command, a place, or a symbol, you can add precision and brevity to your messages.
Alternatives
To communicate a similar idea of ceasing action, you might choose words like “halt,” “cease,” or “pause.” “Halt” often carries a more formal or authoritative tone, as might be heard in commands like “Halt at the checkpoint.” “Cease” similarly suggests stopping an activity and can appear in both formal and informal contexts, though it often appears in official directives like “Cease all hostilities immediately.” Meanwhile, “pause” connotes a temporary break rather than a complete end, suitable for instructions like “Pause the video.”Other close synonyms include “end,” “discontinue,” and “desist.” “End” can imply a final conclusion, whether referring to a process or a conversation: “They decided to end the meeting early.” “Discontinue” appears more in business or formal contexts, such as when manufacturers no longer produce a product: “They decided to discontinue that model.” Lastly, “desist” is rather formal and often used in legal or official language: “He was instructed to desist from further disruptions.” Each word carries a particular nuance—some are abrupt and final, others suggest a break or suspension—so consider the tone and depth of meaning you wish to convey before selecting an alternative.
Writing
In writing, “stop” functions as a powerful, concise command. It is direct and leaves little room for confusion. When crafting instructions or giving directives, employing this term underscores the urgency or necessity of ending an action. For example, in a procedural guide, you might write, “Stop the machine immediately if it overheats,” clearly highlighting the importance of this step.That said, be mindful that overusing “stop” can create a blunt or repetitive style. If you need a more measured tone, mix in similar verbs like “halt” or “cease.” In narrative or descriptive passages, you might focus on the implications of stopping—exploring the tension, relief, or abrupt shift that occurs when something is abruptly ended. For instance, “He froze in place, wanting to stop time itself,” reveals an emotional undercurrent that goes beyond the mere directive. Varying your expressions prevents monotony and keeps the reader engaged, allowing the act of stopping to feel meaningful within your overall narrative or exposition. Above all, clarity is key. Whenever you include this word, ensure your audience knows precisely which action should cease and why doing so matters in the broader context of your text.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, “stop” is a go-to word for telling someone to discontinue an action: “Stop that right now!” or “Please stop talking over me.” It’s also commonly used in simpler requests, such as “Could you stop by the grocery store?”—though in that sense, it indicates a brief visit rather than halting movement altogether. The term adapts neatly to both urgent commands and polite entreaties.You’ll hear it used frequently when people express emotional or humorous surprise: “Oh, stop! You’re making me blush,” or “Stop, you’re too funny!” These lighter uses highlight how easily the word shifts from a strict instruction to a playful aside in friendly banter. Additionally, it appears in personal reflections—“I need to stop doubting myself”—where it signals a desire to end a mental habit or negative pattern. Because of its brevity, “stop” is perfect for quick, clear communication. Just note the tone you use; a curt, loud “Stop!” can sound more like a command than a polite request, so adjust your volume or phrasing to maintain a friendly vibe in casual interactions.
Etymology
Originating from the Old English “(ge)stoppian,” which meant to plug or fill a gap, “stop” initially carried the sense of blocking a passage or closing an opening. Over time, its usage expanded to signify the end or interruption of any activity, matching our modern understanding of halting movement or discontinuing an action.Later linguistic evolution cemented its role as a versatile verb and noun, particularly noticeable during the Middle English period when various spellings and forms appeared. With industrial and commercial developments—think of early public transport systems—“stop” also came to reference specific places where vehicles or services paused. The word’s concise, direct quality helped it endure, with centuries of speakers finding it a clear, robust way to signal an abrupt shift from action to inactivity. Today, this single-syllable term remains a staple of everyday language, easily adapted to a wide spectrum of contexts from formal instructions to casual conversation.
