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Definitions

halt

[hawlt] / hɔlt /
NOUN
end, stoppage
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cutoff freeze interruption layoff letup pause postponement standstill termination
STRONG
arrest break close impasse stand stop
WEAK
breakoff grinding halt screaming halt screeching halt
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continuation
STRONG
beginning start
WEAK
endurance go perseverance
VERB
stop, cause to stop
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjourn arrest bar block break off cease curb deter end hamper impede interrupt stall stem stop suspend terminate
STRONG
balk check desist frustrate intermit obstruct pause punctuate rest stay wait
WEAK
blow the whistle on bring to an end bring to standstill call it a day close down come to an end cool it cut short draw up drop anchor hold at bay hold back pull up put a cork in stand still
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance aid allow assist begin commence continue encourage further go help initiate keep on let go open permit promote start stimulate support urge
STRONG
carry out do restart
WEAK
carry on forge forward push speak smoothly
VERB
hesitate, stutter
Synonyms
STRONG
dither falter hobble limp pause stagger stammer stumble vacillate waver
WEAK
be defective shilly-shally whiffle wiggle-waggle
Antonyms
STRONG
continue persist remain stay
WEAK
carry on forge forward push speak smoothly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Tuesday, a federal judge ordered a halt to construction, saying Trump needed congressional approval.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

As China hit back with tariffs of its own, the tit-for-tat exchange sent tariff rates spiralling into the triple digits and for a few weeks brought trade between the two giants to a screeching halt.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Anything that brings the data-center buildout to a halt could kick the props out from under the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The global supply of helium—the natural-gas byproduct better known for keeping party balloons aloft—is being squeezed by a halt in natural-gas exports from Qatar, the source of about a third of the world’s total.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

I took no more than two steps before she grabbed my wrist, pulling me to a halt.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.