bring or come to an abrupt stop, a suspension of movement or activity, typically a temporary one

grind to a halt, call a halt, bring to a halt

Formal and Informal Expressions of halt

In different contexts, you can replace 'halt' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stop, cease' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'put the brakes on, pull up' is a commonplace synonym.

halt: Explore its Definition & Usage

halt Definition

1bring or come to an abrupt stop
2a suspension of movement or activity, typically a temporary one

Using halt: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "halt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The train halted at the station.
Example
The negotiations have halted for the time being.
Example
The company has put a halt to all new projects.
Example
The economy has come to a halt due to the pandemic.

halt Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for halt

Antonyms for halt

Phrases with halt

grind to a halt
to gradually slow down and stop completely
Example
The traffic ground to a halt during rush hour.
call a halt
to order or request that something stops
Example
The coach called a halt to the practice session due to the bad weather.
bring to a halt
to cause something to stop moving or operating
Example
The police car chased the suspect and finally brought him to a halt.

Origins of halt

from Old High German 'haltan', meaning 'to hold'

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Summary: halt in Brief

The term 'halt' [hɒlt] refers to bringing or coming to an abrupt stop, as in 'The train halted at the station.' It can also refer to a suspension of movement or activity, as in 'The company has put a halt to all new projects.' 'Halt' is used in phrases like 'grind to a halt,' which means to gradually slow down and stop completely, and 'call a halt,' which means to order or request that something stops.