Standstill/ˈstændstɪl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Literal Stop Used when something or someone literally stops moving. The marathon runners came to a standstill to honor the fallen athlete. Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Halt Describes a situation where there is a metaphorical halt in what was ongoing. After the scandal, the project came to a standstill. Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Events Refers to an interruption or halt due to unforeseen events. The sudden snowstorm brought the city to a standstill.