stop1 verbstop2 noun
stopstop1 /stɒp $ stɑːp/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle stopped, present participle stopping) 
WORD ORIGINstop1
Origin:
Old English stoppian ‘to block up’VERB TABLE
stop
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | stop |
| he, she, it | stops | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | stopped |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have stopped |
| he, she, it | has stopped | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had stopped |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will stop |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have stopped |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am stopping |
| he, she, it | is stopping | |
| you, we, they | are stopping | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was stopping |
| you, we, they | were stopping | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been stopping |
| he, she, it | has been stopping | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been stopping |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be stopping |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been stopping |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A man stopped me in the street and asked if I knew where the theatre was.
- A yellow car stopped outside the house.
- All the staff are determined to stop bullying in the school.
- Can we stop at the next services and get something to eat?
- Catherine stood watching the rain, hoping it would stop soon.
- Could you stop just here on the left?
- Could you stop making that noise for a moment?
- Could you stop what you are doing and pay attention, please?
- Does this train stop at Lyon?
- George stopped the engine and got out of the car.
- He wanted to quit college, and no one could stop him.
- He wrote quickly, but from time to time he stopped and looked out of the window.
- I'm not stopping, I've just popped in to pick up some books.
- I've made up my mind to leave home, and you can't stop me.
- I stopped going to church after I left home.
- I stopped reading and turned out the light.
- I stopped to rest for a few minutes.
- I gave my little brother some chocolate to stop him crying.
- I got stopped by a policeman for having a broken headlight.
- I saw Maria and stopped to say hello.
- I want to reclaim it - so I can stop being a casualty of this war that has no name.
- Our tanks and tracks kept going a little bit and stopped to return fire immediately.
- So eventually I stopped even going for the tests.
- The emperor himself could not stop it now.
- They wanted to stop equality for black people and to kill anyone who didn't agree with them.
- When I asked Jasper what had stopped him from accepting these large offers, the question startled him.
- When Jack put a foot on the dance floor, some, then all couples stopped and the band trailed off.
THESAURUSto stop doing something
to not do something any longer: · I wish she would stop talking.· He waited for them to stop.
especially American English informal to stop doing something: · She needs to quit complaining about her life.· It’s too late for him to quit now.
to stop doing something, especially something that you have been doing for a long time: · It’s so hard to give up smoking.· She wants to give up her job.· I’ve given up trying to tell my son to clean his room.
informal to stop doing something, especially because you feel tired or annoyed: · Sometimes I feel like packing in my job and starting again somewhere else.· Pack it in, will you! (=used when telling someone to stop doing something, because they are annoying you)
to stop taking part in something that you have agreed to take part in: · The unions have pulled out of the negotiations.· The US decided to pull out of the competition.
formal to stop doing something: · The company has decided to cease production of its film cameras.· The US government ceased talks with North Korea.
to stop for a short time to stop for a short time: · Shall we stop for coffee now?· I stopped to have a look at the map.
to stop speaking or doing something for a short time before starting again: · He paused for a moment to consider the question.· ‘I think it’s going to rain,’ she said, pausing to look up at the sky.
to stop working, studying, or driving for a short time in order to rest: · Okay, everyone. Take a ten-minute break.· If you’re feeling tired, you should have a break.
to stop working, studying etc in order to rest or eat something – used about a group of people who are doing something together: · After a couple of hours the committee broke for lunch.
to stop happening to stop happening: · The noise suddenly stopped.· We waited for the rain to stop.
to stop – used about something that has continued for a long time: · The war finally came to an end in 1918.
to gradually stop – used about a pain, a feeling, or the effects of something: · The pain will soon wear off.· The excitement was beginning to wear off.· The anaesthetic took a long time to wear off.
to gradually stop happening or existing: · The campaign petered out after only a few weeks.
formal to stop: · The fighting has ceased.· Production at the factory has ceased.
to stop moving to stop moving: · Can we stop soon? I’m tired.· The bus stops right in front of the hotel.
especially written to move more slowly and then stop – used about a vehicle: · The train slowly came to a halt just outside the station.· The plane came to a halt less than twenty yards away from the limousines.
to move to the side of the road and stop – used about a vehicle or its driver: · The bus pulled over to the side of the road, with smoke coming out of its engine.· The police officer was waving at him to pull over.
to stop close to something – used about a vehicle or its driver: · The taxi pulled up outside her house.· He pulled up next to our car.
to go slower and then stop moving completely: · The road was blocked by an accident, and the traffic quickly came to a standstill.
Longman Language Activatorto stop doing something to no longer do something that you had been doing: · He wrote quickly, but from time to time he stopped and looked out of the window.stop doing something: · I stopped reading and turned out the light.· Please will you all stop making so much noise!stop what you are doing: · Could you stop what you are doing and pay attention, please?stop for lunch/coffee/a break etc: · What time do you want to stop for lunch?
to stop doing something because you have completed it: · She spoke for ten minutes, and when she had finished the audience cheered.· We should have finished the job by next week.finish doing something: · Have you finished reading the papers?· After you've finished painting the house you can start on the garage.
especially American, spoken to stop doing something, especially something that annoys other people: quit doing something: · I wish he'd quit bothering me.· They should quit complaining and just get on with their job!
formal to stop doing something: · All conversation ceased as the two police officers entered.· The factory has now ceased production and will close next month.cease doing something: · The mill ceased operating commercially two years ago.cease to do something: · Many of these firms have now ceased to exist.
what you say when you tell someone to stop doing something spoken · Stop what you're doing when the buzzer sounds.stop doing something · Will you please stop talking and listen to me!stop it/that · Stop it! You're hurting me.
American spoken say this to tell someone to stop doing something because it annoys you: quit it/that: · Quit that! You're driving me crazy.· I hated the way she was teasing me. "Quit it!'' I said.quit doing something: · Quit fooling around and pay attention.
also pack it in British use this to tell someone to stop doing something because it annoys you: · Come on, you two, cut it out!· Just cut it out, Jim. Stop acting like a kid.· Oh, pack it in you lot, or we're going straight home.
say this when you want someone to stop doing or saying something that is annoying you: · Look, I don't want to argue with you, so just lay off.· Lay off the swearing, if you don't mind.· Hey, lay off Vinnie, will you? He hasn't done you any harm.
to stop doing something without successfully completing it to stop trying to do something because it is too difficult or because you are not determined enough: · I made several attempts to repair the damage, but gave up in the end.· Come on, don't give up yet!give up something: · We will never give up our struggle.give up doing something: · I've given up trying to get her to change her mind.give something up: · We did start a protest, but gave it up when we realized we would never be successful.
especially American to stop doing something before you have successfully completed it: · Bill was cold, hungry and tired and he wanted to quit.· She was having a lot of trouble finding a job, but she refused to quit.quit doing something: · I knew I'd never be any good at school, so I just quit trying.
to stop doing something that you had planned or started, because there are too many other problems involved: · The government has now abandoned its plans to privatize parts of the health service.· All attempts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict have now been abandoned.· Owing to rough weather, the coast guard had been forced to abandon the search.
to stop doing something that you have already started or that you intended to do: · Because of strong opposition, the government has dropped plans to increase taxes on fuel.drop everything: · I'm too busy to just drop everything and go out for the day.
informal to stop doing something because you are satisfied that you have done enough: · We've got most of the heavy work done, so I think we can leave it at that for today.
to stop doing an activity that you used to do regularly · I used to play a lot of tennis, but I had to stop when I injured my knee.stop doing something · I stopped going to church after I left home.· There's not much demand for this type of car, so we stopped making them.
to stop doing something that you used to do regularly, for example because you are no longer physically able to do it: give up doing something: · As he grew older he gave up going for walks and seldom went out.· After the accident she had to give up riding and farming.give up something: · He gave up his job so that he could look after his wife.give something up: · I used to really enjoy dancing, but I had to give it up after I became ill.
to stop studying a subject at school, college, or university: · I think I may drop French next year and concentrate on my other languages.· You can drop one subject at the end of this year if you're finding you've got too much work.
to stop a bad or unhealthy habit · She had smoked for nearly twenty years before she finally managed to stop.stop doing something · The health advice to people is simple - stop eating so much fat and eat more fruit and vegetables.
informal to stop doing something that that has been an unhealthy or harmful habit: · If you've smoked for a long time it can be very difficult to quit.quit doing something: · They told me at the hospital to quit drinking for a while.· I quit taking the pills because they were making me put on weight.
to stop doing something such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs because it is harmful or unhealthy: · If you smoke, try to give up or at least cut down.· She gave up drinking over 10 years ago.
informal to stop doing something that has been a habit for a long time, especially a bad or dangerous habit: · The centre provides help for addicts who have kicked their habit and want to stay away from drugs.· Some smokers use hypnosis to help them kick the habit.
to stop taking medicine or drugs that you have been taking regularly: · The doctor told me I could come off the drugs six months after the operation.· People need help to come off hard drugs like heroin and cocaine.
if a child grows out of a habit, he or she stops doing it as they get older: grow out of it: · Wetting the bed is a common problem, but children nearly always grow out of it.· He became obsessed with football at the age of four, and he's never grown out of it!
to stop having a particular type of food or drink to stop eating a particular type of food, especially for health reasons: · With this diet, I have to cut out bread, cookies, and cakes.· Try cutting out red meat and dairy produce, and see if your symptoms improve.
spoken to stop eating, drinking, or using a particular type of food, drink, or drug, especially for health reasons: · I'm trying to lay off rich food for a while to lose some weight.· If he really wants to write the book, he'll need to lay off the drink until he does it.
to stop working at the end of the day or during the day British · We stop work at half past three on Fridays.· They stopped work for a few minutes to consider his offer.
especially British to stop work at the end of the day: · What time do you finish work?finish (=finish work): · I don't finish until seven tonight, so I'll be late home.
spoken to stop work - use this especially to talk about a particular time that you stop work: · Is it OK if I knock off a little early tonight?· I usually knock off at about six.
informal to decide to stop working because you have done enough work, because you are very tired, or because it is late: · We realized we weren't going to get the job finished, so we decided to call it a day.· Look, we're all tired - let's call it a day.
British to stop work, put away your work equipment, and go home: · Everyone packed up and went home.· OK, guys - it's time to pack up now.
to stop working at the end of your working life · Mrs Davies retired after 45 years with the company.· Everyone should have the right to a pension when they retire.· My father retired at 65.
words for describing something that you are unable to stop doing: compulsive behaviour/gambling/eating etc something, especially something harmful, that you do because you cannot stop yourself: · Her problem is her compulsive eating.· Compulsive behaviour is often a symptom of deeper psychological problems.a compulsive liar/eater/gambler etc (=someone who is unable to stop lying, eating etc): · He's a compulsive liar -- you can't believe a word he says.
to stop walking, running etc · I was exhausted, and had to stop and rest.· Stop! Wait a minute!· I saw Maria and stopped to say hello.· We stopped at the next village to get supplies.
to slow down and stop: · The group of tourists came to a halt outside the museum.· He walked back across the restaurant and came to a halt beside our table.
to suddenly stop, especially because something has surprised or frightened you or you suddenly notice it: · Katie stopped dead and stared at him.· Francesca stopped dead in her tracks. "What did you just say?'' she demanded.
to stop moving very suddenly and stay completely still and quiet: · I froze, and listened. Someone was in my apartment.· Captain O'Leary raised his gun and shouted "Freeze!''
when a vehicle stops moving if a vehicle or its driver stops , the vehicle stops moving: · Could you stop just here on the left?· We'd better stop at the next gas station.· A yellow car stopped outside the house.
if a car or its driver pulls up , the car comes closer to something or someone and stops: pull up at/outside/next to etc: · We pulled up at a small cafe just outside Bordeaux.· A blue van pulled up behind us.
if a car or its driver pulls in , the driver stops the car at the side of the road or in a parking space: · I rounded the corner, looking for a place to pull in.· Jeff parked in front of the house and I pulled in beside him.
if a car or its driver pulls over , the driver drives to the side of the road and stops: · A policeman was standing by the side of the road, signalling to me to pull over.· I pulled over and looked at the map.· The truck pulled over and a man got out.
especially written to gradually get slower and then stop: · The taxi came to a stop outside the hotel.· The bus slowed down and came to a halt at some traffic lights.come to a sudden/abrupt halt/stop: · As Jamie spoke, the train came to an abrupt halt, nearly throwing us all on the floor.
especially written to gradually get slower and then stop completely - use this about traffic or about a vehicle: · The train came to a standstill about a mile outside Abbeville and didn't move for 20 minutes.· Traffic in the city ground to a halt as the streets filled with angry demonstrators.
if a vehicle or its driver brakes , the driver makes it slow down or stop by using the brakes: · I saw a roadblock ahead, and braked.brake hard/sharply: · A bus came round the corner and braked sharply.
to make a car, bus etc stop very suddenly by pressing very hard on the brakes: · I slammed on the brakes, skidding to a stop.
when a bus, train etc regularly stops at particular places if a train or bus stops at a place, it regularly stops there to let people on and off: · Does this train stop at Lyon?· The bus stops at the top of the hill.
British if a train or bus calls at a particular place, it stops there as part of its regular journey to let people on and off: · This is the 14:30 to Bristol, calling at Reading and Bath.· Does this train call at York?
to make someone stop moving · The police are stopping drivers to ask questions about the accident.· The truck was stopped by customs officers for a routine check.· A man stopped me in the street and asked if I knew where the theatre was.
to hold someone so that they cannot move forward or attack someone: · It took three men to restrain him.· Mary got up to go after them, but I put out my arm to restrain her.
to prevent someone from moving forward or into a place: · They put up huge barriers to hold back the crowd.· My father held me back, otherwise I would have rushed up onto the stage.
to surprise or frighten you, so that you stop suddenly: · Seeing the policeman there stopped me dead. I didn't know what to do.· Jim was stopped in his tracks by the sound of a rifle behind him.
to stop a car that is coming towards you by waving your arms: flag down something: · I managed to flag down a passing car and ask for help.flag something/somebody down: · The patrolman stepped out in front of the truck to flag it down.
if someone, especially a police officer pulls you over , they make you stop driving and park at the side of the road: · The police pulled me over and checked my licence.· He got pulled over on the way home and had to take a breath test.
to stop something such as a boat or plane, before it has finished its journey or achieved its purpose: · Two British ships were sent to intercept the convoy.· All three fighter planes were intercepted and destroyed.
to stop happening · It seemed the fighting would never stop.· Catherine stood watching the rain, hoping it would stop soon.· Suddenly, the cheering stopped and there was a deathly silence.· This waste of the earth's resources must stop.
if something that has been happening for a long time comes to an end , it stops happening: · When we had children, all our trips to theatres and cinemas came to an end.· Research at the college came to an end in 1870.· All good things must come to an end.
formal to stop happening: · Hostilities between the two countries have now ceased.· Presently, the rain ceased and the sun came out.cease altogether (=stop completely): · The sound of gunfire gradually receded and then ceased altogether.
to gradually stop happening informal to gradually end in a disappointing way - use this about an activity, a relationship, or people's interest in something: · Their romance fizzled out after a few months.· The movie made a great start, but the action seemed to fizzle out halfway through.
to gradually become less and less and then stop happening completely: · By midday the rain had petered out.· The road petered out into a muddy track.· The protest campaign petered out after a few weeks.
if pain or the effect of something wears off , it gradually becomes less until it stops completely: · The effects of the anaesthetic will wear off within a few hours.· The shock has not worn off yet and he seems to be walking around in a daze.the novelty wears off (=when you stop feeling interested or excited about something because it is no longer new): · The kids spent hours on the computer at first, but the novelty soon wore off.
if a sound fades away , it gradually gets quieter and finally stops: · He waited until the sound of the engines had faded away.· As the music faded away the audience broke into enthusiastic applause.
to make something stop happening or continuing to make someone stop doing something, or make something stop happening: · The referee stopped the fight when one of the boxers was badly injured.· It is now time to stop the war and begin negotiations for peace.· Officials are planning to take court action to stop publication of the book.stop somebody doing something: · I gave my little brother some chocolate to stop him crying.
to stop something, especially so that it never starts again: · An injury like this could put an end to her dancing career.· The outbreak of war put an end to their romance.
to finally and permanently end something that has continued for a long time: bring something to an end: · A treaty was signed which finally brought the conflict to an end.bring to an end something: · There are calls for the Prime Minister to bring to an end the uncertainty about the election date.
to make something stop changing, developing, or progressing: · The government is determined to halt the trade in illegal animal furs.· All his efforts had failed to halt the increase in street crime.
to decide that a planned action or activity should be stopped after it has already started: · The union decided to call off the strike when they were offered a 10% pay rise.· The meeting was called off at the last minute.· The hunt for the missing boy had to be called off because of severe weather conditions.
to stop an activity earlier than was planned, especially because of something unexpected such as illness or bad news: · She was forced to cut short her holiday and return to the UK.· His education was cut short when his father died of a sudden illness.
to stop an action that has been started, because it would be too dangerous to continue: · The mission was aborted after news came of the capture of the city.· The plane had already started its descent when the pilot received orders to abort his landing.
to officially order that something should be stopped, when you intend to let it start again at a later time: · We have decided to suspend all production at the factory until safety checks can be carried out.· All pay increases are to be suspended until further notice.· The trial was suspended after threats were made against witnesses.
informal to stop giving money to a plan or planned business activity so that it cannot continue: · The city council has pulled the plug on the new housing development.· Over 1000 workers lost their jobs when the company pulled the plug on plans to open ten new stores.
to keep prices or wages at the same level and not increase them: · The company has announced that it intends to freeze all salaries for a year.· All government employees have had their salaries frozen at last year's levels.
to stop something quickly before it has time to develop to stop a bad situation or bad behaviour when it first starts, before it can develop further: · If I'd known about their plan I could have nipped it in the bud there and then.· It's important to nip this problem in the bud.
to quickly stop something such as opposition to your plans that is likely to cause you trouble: · Her lawyers acted quickly to squash any of her husband's claims on her property.squash a rumour: · The chairman acted quickly to squash rumours of a takeover bid.
to stop something quickly and completely: · Losing funding now would kill the project.· Mr Howard released a statement in an effort to kill speculation in the press.
to stop normal work or services from continuing British also paralyze American to make it impossible for an industry, system, service etc to continue working normally: · Strike action has paralysed the region's public transport system.· Over Illinois, the storm broke, paralyzing the state with blizzards and freezing temperatures.
to make it impossible for an industry, system, service etc to continue working normally: · Unexpected bad weather has brought London to a standstill.· Further interest rate rises may bring the manufacturing industry to a standstill.· Rail services have been brought to a standstill by severe flooding in many areas.bring something to a virtual standstill: · Traffic was brought to a virtual standstill as protestors drove in convoy along the motorways.
to end the use of a system, service, or organization to gradually end the use of a system, product, or service: phase out something: · Ministers agreed to phase out the old voting system within two years.· Older prisons will be phased out over the next few years.phase something out: · The committee acknowledged that these chemicals are highly dangerous, and agreed to phase them out gradually.
to stop providing something that has been available or provided regularly over a period of time: · Doctors decided to discontinue the treatment when it became clear that the boy had no chance of recovering.· If fewer than ten students sign up, the course will be discontinued.
to stop something bad or illegal that people are doing · We must take action to stop this illegal trade in ivory.· All the staff are determined to stop bullying in the school.stop somebody from doing something · The new measures are intended to stop troublemakers from travelling abroad to football matches.
to stop an activity, especially one that you consider to be harmful or unacceptable: · Using children in this way is pure exploitation, and it's time we put a stop to it!· She knew that if she didn't put a stop to their squabbling now, it could go on for weeks.
to completely stop an illegal or harmful activity: · The police have introduced new measures to help stamp out violence on the city's streets.· We are determined to stamp out prostitution in this neighborhood.
to take severe action to stop an illegal activity: · The authorities are determined to crack down on terrorism.· Teachers must crack down on bullying as soon as they become aware of it.· Only by cracking down on dealers, can we stop young people getting involved with drugs.
to officially order that an activity should be stopped, especially after it has continued for a long time: · The government has called a halt to the exporting of live animals.· Companies must call a halt to the dumping of toxic waste at sea.
if someone in authority clamps down on an activity or group of people, they take firm action to stop something that is illegal or against the rules: · The new, tougher laws are intended clamp down on the carrying of knives and other weapons.· If we don't clamp down on these troublemakers now, the situation could get out of control.
to prevent something harmful from increasing and start to control and reduce it: · The only way to curb the spread of the disease is by immunizing the entire population.· The government is introducing new measures aimed at curbing inflation.
to stop opposition to a government to stop people opposing or fighting against the government, by using military force or by making their activities illegal: · The army acted swiftly to suppress the uprising.· Any opposition to the regime is ruthlessly suppressed.· The authorities suppressed publication of the journal.
: put down a revolt/rebellion/uprising etc to stop it by using military force against the people involved: · The uprising was quickly put down.· The rebellion was put down and its leaders were executed.
if the police or army break up something such as an organized protest, they use force to stop it: break up something: · The police were instructed to break up the demonstration and arrest the ringleaders.break something up: · The protest continued peacefully until government troops moved in to break it up.
to take action to stop people behaving in a violent, angry way, especially by using force: · The soldiers managed to subdue the angry crowd.· The army has been used to subdue unrest in the country's capital.
to use severe methods to stop people who are fighting or opposing you: · The rebellion was quickly crushed by forces loyal to the President.· The army is stationed near the capital, ready to crush any signs of a revolt.
especially written to make violent opposition stop by using force when it first starts, before it becomes impossible to control: · Extra police were called in to quell the disturbance.· An anti-government riot was promptly quelled by soldiers using guns and teargas.
to end a relationship · The affair ended after it was made public by the newspapers.· Our relationship just isn't working. I've decided to end it.
to end a relationship or connection with someone, especially an official one: · The Senator has been urged to break off all links with arms companies.· In the wake of the bombing, the UK is threatening to break off diplomatic relations.· His girlfriend has just told him that she wants to break off their engagement.
formal: sever ties/links/relations etc to completely end your relationship or connection with someone or something: · Since the job required that he be politically neutral, he had to sever his links with the Socialist Party.· Britain immediately severed relations with the three countries involved.
a process that cannot be stopped a process or action that is unstoppable cannot be stopped: · Political change is now unstoppable, and the regime will eventually collapse.· The war could unleash unstoppable political and economic changes.· Her rise to fame seems to be unstoppable.
a process that is remorseless continues in an unpleasant and threatening way and it seems to be impossible to stop: · The remorseless spread of the virus has led to the deaths of thousands.· the remorseless advance of the invading army
formal use this about a gradual process that cannot be stopped, especially one which leads to something very bad happening: · His jealousy sets him on an inexorable course towards murder.· the inexorable decline in Britain's manufacturing industry
a process of change that is irreversible cannot be stopped, and the situation that existed before cannot return: · New technology has brought about irreversible changes in society.· Despite claims made by skincare manufacturers, the effects of ageing are irreversible.
to prevent someone from doing what they want to do to make it impossible for someone to do something that they want to do: prevent somebody from doing something: · A leg injury may prevent Shearer from playing in tomorrow's game.· There were reports that some people had been prevented from voting in the election.
to stop someone from doing something that they want to do, especially by controlling them in an unreasonable way: · I've made up my mind to leave home, and you can't stop me.stop somebody (from) doing something: · My parents tried to stop me seeing Anne.· The government has taken legal action to stop the BBC from broadcasting a documentary about the Secret Service.
to prevent someone from doing something, especially something that might be harmful or upsetting: · Staying busy kept her from thinking about her illness.· It was all I could do to keep myself from hitting him.
to prevent someone from doing something harmful or stupid, either by physically stopping them or by persuading them not to do it: · Roger stepped forward and Martin put out his arm to restrain him.restrain yourself: · She wanted to ask him all about his private life, but wisely restrained herself.restrain somebody from doing something: · His arm was hurting him and he had to be restrained from doing too much.
to prevent someone or something from moving forward or making progress: hold back somebody/something: · The police had already erected crash barriers to hold back the advancing crowds.· The poor economic situation has held back investment in new technology.hold somebody/something back: · Bill leapt to his feet to go after the girl, but the others held him back.· She always felt that being a woman had held her back in her career.
to make someone too busy to do something else, especially something they should do: · Don't let your social life get in the way of your education.
to make it less likely that someone will do something, for example by showing them that it may have a bad or unwelcome result: · Higher taxes are likely to discourage investment.· It is a well known fact that a negative working environment discourages creativity.discourage somebody from doing something: · Higher cigarette prices do not seem to discourage people from smoking.
to make sure that something does not happen to make sure that something will not happen or cannot happen, especially something bad. Prevent is more formal than stop: · Many people now believe that a good diet can help to prevent cancer.· The new laws are designed to stop discrimination in the workplace.prevent/stop something (from) happening: · A special valve prevents the waste gases from escaping.· Stretch the rope out to stop it getting twisted and tangled up.
to do something to prevent something bad that may happen: · The company is anxious to avoid an expensive court case.· We take every precaution to avoid accidents.avoid something at all costs (=do everything possible to avoid something happening): · Civilian casualties must be avoided at all costs.
formal to do something to prevent something bad that will happen very soon if you do not do anything: · It may already be too late to avert another disaster.· Talks will be held today in a final attempt to avert strike action.
to do something to stop a difficult or unpleasant situation from developing, when it seems very likely to happen soon: · They agreed to meet government ministers in an attempt to head off a major conflict.· We managed to head off a financial crisis last year, but we may not be so lucky this year.
to carefully plan and think about what you can do in order to prevent something bad from happening: · The city council is taking emergency measures to guard against flooding in the city centre.· Use sunscreen on your skin to help guard against skin cancer.
to prevent a plan or action from succeeding to use something such as a law or an official order to prevent someone from doing something that they have been planning to do: · Britain has threatened to block new EU legislation on human rights.· The deal was blocked by the chairman, who was unwilling to commit so much company money to a risky investment.
to try to prevent someone from doing something by deliberately making it much more difficult for them: · The House of Lords has been accused of obstructing change and preventing scientific progress.· It is an offence to obstruct the police during the course of their duty.
formal to prevent someone from doing something, especially something that they very much want to do because it is personally important to them: · Harry knew now that nothing could thwart his plans.· An attempt to smuggle heroin worth £30 million into the country has been thwarted by customs officials.
to prevent something bad or criminal that someone is planning to do, by being more clever than they are: · The government has foiled an attempted military coup.· The burglar was foiled by a passer-by who noticed the broken window and phoned the police.
to stop people from expressing their opinions to prevent someone from expressing their opinions or telling people something that you want kept secret: · The Mafia uses threats of physical violence or death to silence any opposition.· Opponents of the regime are quickly silenced.
to prevent someone such as a politician or news reporter from publicly expressing their opinions, information, or ideas: · Democracy activists have been effectively muzzled by these tough new laws.muzzle the press/media: · Attempts to muzzle the country's media have failed.
to use your authority unfairly to prevent someone from telling people something or expressing their opinions - used especially in newspapers: · The government has once again used concerns about "National Security' as an excuse to gag the press.· The prime minister has been accused of attempting to gag members of his government who do not agree with his policies.
to stop yourself from having or showing a feeling to try hard to stop yourself laughing, crying, or showing anger: hold back something: · Jack held back his tears and pretended not to be disappointed.· Sarah held back a sob of relief.hold something back: · I wanted to laugh, but I managed to hold it back.· She struggled to hold her feelings back.
: stifle a yawn/a smile/laughter etc to try to stop yourself showing that you are tired, amused etc especially because you do not want to seem rude: · She stifled a yawn as the boss read out the sales figures.· Maria looked away and stifled a giggle.
written to make a strong effort to stop yourself from showing feelings of anger, sadness etc: · I suppressed an urge to laugh.· He looked at me, waiting with suppressed anger.· It's not good to suppress your feelings.
to manage to stop feeling something that affects you very strongly, for example fear, pain etc: · She managed to overcome her shyness, and stepped forward to introduce herself.· Hilton stepped into the room, fighting to conquer his feelings of disgust.
a problem that prevents you from achieving something a problem that makes it difficult but not impossible for you to achieve what you want to achieve: · The lack of money is a serious obstacle that could prevent the project from succeeding.obstacle to: · The greatest obstacle to economic progress has been mass unemployment.overcome an obstacle (=deal with it successfully): · She had to overcome a lot of obstacles to finally make it to drama college.
something that prevents someone from achieving what they want: · His disability was no bar to his entry into the profession.· Differences in religious beliefs are not necessarily a bar to a good relationship.
preventing something from improving, developing, growing etc: · I found the lack of available reference books very limiting.· There is a lot of research that still needs to be done, but money is an important limiting factor.
to prevent someone from going somewhere if someone or something is in the way , they are in a position that stops you from going where you want: · There's a car in the way and I can't get out of the garage.be in somebody's way: · Could you move please Sonia. You're in my way.
if objects or people block a road, entrance etc, they lie or stand right across it, so that no-one can pass through: · A big truck had turned over on its side, and it was blocking the road.· Hundreds of protesters blocked the entrance to the President's palace.
to block or almost block a road, entrance etc: · A small aircraft now obstructed the runway.· The driveway was obstructed by piles of stones and gravel.
something that has been deliberately put somewhere, especially across a road or entrance, to prevent people from entering a place: · The automatic barrier lifted as we drove up.· The driver slowed down as he approached the police barrier.· Only a flimsy barrier stops the crowd from spilling onto the field.
to use military force to prevent people or goods from entering or leaving an area: · In June 1948 the Russians blockaded the western sectors of Berlin.· A US fleet blockaded the port of Veracruz.
intended to prevent something happening intended to prevent something from happening or getting worse: · We should spend more money educating people about preventive medicine.· Schools must take preventative measures so that this type of tragedy never happens again.· Preventative action can easily be taken to avoid damp occurring in your house.
: pre-emptive strike/action/attack an action that is done to harm someone before they can harm you - use this especially about official or military actions: · The US says it is prepared to launch a pre-emptive strike with nuclear weapons if it is threatened.
something that can be prevented something bad that is preventable , can be prevented: · Whooping cough and measles are both preventable diseases.· Many of these deaths each year are preventable.
difficulties or problems that are avoidable can be prevented, and therefore you should not have to deal with them: · Running out of gas is annoying and easily avoidable.· Too many children are still injured in avoidable accidents.
to stop crying · The little girl, who was very thin with a pale face, couldn't stop crying.· "Now stop crying," Marilla said, "and tell me what's the matter.''
especially written to stop crying, especially because someone has done or said something to make you feel happier: · Harry didn't mean to upset you. Now dry your eyes and come back downstairs.· At the thought of an ice-cream, Zoe dried her tears and began to smile.
to stop crying and use your hand or something else to dry your face - used especially in literature: · "Do you really mean that?" Jane said, wiping the tears from her eyes.· "Wipe your tears, dear," Mrs Bristow said. "It's not as bad as all that."
spoken say this when someone is crying, especially when you want to comfort them: · Please don't cry! You'll make me want to cry as well.· It's alright, he won't hurt you -- don't cry.
extremely determined to do something, even if it is wrong to be willing to do anything, even if it is cruel, dishonest, or illegal, in order to get what you want: · He's prepared to go to any lengths to find the men who killed his daughter.· Lawrence would stop at nothing to achieve power and wealth.
informal to be extremely determined to do something, especially something dangerous or something that may have a bad result: be hellbent on doing something: · Bob's hellbent on going through with the plan, even though it's sure to end in disaster.be hellbent on revenge/destruction: · Gangs of youths rampaged through the streets, hellbent on destruction.
if you do something whatever the cost , you are determined to do it even if it causes a lot of problems or you have to spend a lot of money, use a lot of effort etc: · I want him back here as soon as possible, whatever the cost.· They are determined to win back the disputed territories, whatever the cost in human terms.
spoken use this to emphasize that you are determined to do something in spite of any problems or difficulties: · I'll be there in time. Don't worry. Come hell or high water.· Come hell or high water, he'd never missed a race and he wasn't going to miss this one.
someone who is ruthless is so determined to get what they want, especially in business or politics, that they do not care if they harm other people: · You should be careful of Ian - he can be pretty ruthless if anyone gets in his way.· a ruthless and pitiless dictator
to decide it is better not to do something formal to not do something that you want to do or usually do, especially because you do not want to offend or upset someone: · Kate wanted to slap Keith round the face but she refrained.refrain from: · Rand refrained from comment on the scandal involving his opponent.refrain from doing something: · Please refrain from smoking in the restaurant.
to decide not to do something, especially something enjoyable, because it is considered to be bad for your health or morally wrong: · Most of the church members drink only moderately or abstain completely.abstain from: · You should abstain from food and caffeinated drinks before the operation.abstain from doing something: · Junior politicians are supposed to abstain from criticizing the government.
to not do something extreme, even though what you have been doing or saying until now makes this very likely to be the next thing you do: · The US was willing to support sanctions, but stopped short of military intervention.stop short of doing something: · Morris has strongly criticized Paulson's writings but stops short of calling him a racist.
to not do something, especially because you are worried about what will happen if you do: · He wanted to tell her everything, but something made him hold back.hold back from doing something: · Republicans have expressed interest in the plan but have held back from making a commitment.
to stop yourself from doing something you want to do, because you do not want to offend someone, spoil a secret etc: · It was all I could do to keep from hitting him.keep yourself from doing something: · Sara was so excited, she could hardly keep herself from giving away the whole plan.
to decide or agree not to do something, especially because it is likely to be unsuccessful or is unnecessary: · Look, we aren't making any progress - let's just forget the whole idea.forget it spoken: · If you're not going to take this project seriously we might as well forget it.
to not do something that you were going to do, or to think very carefully before you do it, because you know it could have a bad result: · Anyone thinking about having unprotected sex should think twice.think twice about: · I hope this latest attack will make people think twice about mindless violence towards ethnic minorities.think twice before doing something: · The heavy penalties are designed to make people think twice before committing a crime.
to stop doing something for a short time before continuing written to stop speaking or stop doing something for a very short time before starting again: · Kim was reading her e-mail, but she paused and looked up when I came in.· Lawrence paused and turned to me: "Look, if you don't think it's a good idea, don't go."pause for breath (=use this when you need to rest for a moment, especially when you are talking): · She talked for about twenty minutes without even pausing for breath.pause to do something: · We waited while Graham paused to light a cigarette.
to stop doing something for a short time, before continuing again: · Can we stop at the next services and get something to eat?stop for coffee/lunch/a break etc (=stop what you are doing, so you can have coffee, lunch etc): · We'll stop for lunch at 12:30.stop to look/listen/watch/talk/rest etc (=stop in order to look at something etc): · We stopped to listen to a group of boys who were playing guitars in the street.· I stopped to rest for a few minutes.stop doing something (for a moment/while etc): · Could you stop making that noise for a moment?· The baby hadn't stopped crying for two whole hours.
to stop for a moment and wait before doing something, because you feel unsure or nervous about it: · She hesitated for a moment before replying.· Barry stood at the door, hesitating. Should he walk straight in or knock?
to stay in a place and not leave it · Stay where you are and don't move.· I'm coming too. I'm not staying here on my own.· Neighbors keep to themselves around here, they stay inside.stay with · He stayed with the baby until she fell asleep.stay (for) 3 hours/two days/a while etc · John only stayed at the party for a couple of hours.· Don't go so soon -- can't you stay just a little longer?stay for dinner/a drink/a game of cards etc · You're welcome to stay for lunch, you know.· Are you staying for a drink, or do you have to go?stay to dinner/tea etc · Mom always seated me next to him whenever he stayed to supper.stay to do something · Are you staying to watch the game?stay behind (=stay in a place after other people have left) · He stayed behind after class to ask the teacher a few questions.
formal to stay: · Some 2,000 students, lecturers and university workers remained inside, refusing to leave.· He was determined to remain out west until he had made his fortune.remain at/in: · The judge ruled that Borkin should remain in jail until his case is heard.· He had finished, but he remained at the microphone for a few minutes, gazing at the audience.remain with: · The children will remain with their mother.remain behind (=to stay in a place after other people have left): · The others were dismissed, but Harwood was asked to remain behind.
to stay in the same place and not try to move from there: · He won't stay put long enough for me to take his photo.· I've decided to stay put until after Christmas, but after that I want to start looking for a new apartment.
to stay in the same place and wait until a difficult or dangerous situation has ended before moving: · You sit tight while I go and get some help.
also stop in British informal to stay in your house and not go out, especially in the evening, instead of going out to enjoy yourself: · I've got to stay in and look after my sister on Friday night.· So, are you going out or stopping in tonight?
informal to stay in the same place for a short time, especially because you are waiting for someone, or expecting something to happen: · If you don't feel like sticking around here, we could find a place to get some coffee.stick around for ten minutes/a while etc: · Do you guys want to stick around for a while?
British informal to stay somewhere for a short time, especially at someone's house: · I'm not stopping, I've just popped in to pick up some books.stop for tea/a chat/a cup of coffee etc: · Why don't you stop for lunch -- there's loads of food.
to switch something off to make something stop working, for example by pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, for example, lights, televisions, or computers: switch off something: · Always switch off your computer when you've finished.switch something off: · It's OK - I switched the TV off before I went out.
to make something stop working, for example by pressing a button or turning a tap - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: turn off something: · Would you turn off the heater before you go to bed?turn something off: · You forgot to turn the oven off!
to make an engine or a machine stop working: · George stopped the engine and got out of the car.· We had to stop the pump and unblock it.
to press a button that makes a machine stop: · If you want it to stop, just press the red button.
to switch a light off: put out something: · Norma put out the light and went to sleep.put something out: · Could you put the lamp out in the bedroom, please?
to make a light stop working by pressing a button: · Don't forget to turn out the lights when you go to bed, okay Annie?
if you shut off or shut down a machine, you make it stop operating: · The computer automatically shuts off the pump when no water is flowing.· The Department of Energy shut down the reactor because of safety considerations.
to remove the thing that connects a piece of electrical equipment to the main electricity supply, so that it is no longer connected to it: · Did you remember to unplug the kettle?· I was getting a lot of crank calls, so I started unplugging my phone at night.
formal to separate a piece of equipment from the main electricity or gas supply so that it is no longer connected to it: · Once a car has started, the engine would continue to run even if you disconnected the battery.
to visit a person or place on the way to somewhere else also stop in American to visit a person for a short time while you are on your way to somewhere else: · I just stopped in to say goodbye before I go on vacation.· Stop by for a drink on your way home from work.
to make a short visit to someone, while you are on your way somewhere, especially if they are ill or need help: · I promised to look in on Dad and see if he's feeling better.· Tom will look in on you later to see if you need anything.
British /come by American to visit a person or place for a short time while you are on your way to somewhere else: · Why don't you call in on your way up north?· Come by on Saturday and we'll have a drink together.call in on somebody: · I called in on Sally yesterday.
to make a short visit to a place during a journey: · We'll stop off and see you on our way back.stop off in/at: · He stopped off in Paris for a couple of days.
to visit somewhere for a short time during a long journey, especially a plane flight: stop over in: · The flight to Australia takes 28 hours but we stop over in Singapore for a night.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Right, stop what you’re doing and come over here. There’s nothing to stop you applying for the job yourself. It’s time we stopped to think about our next move. I phoned the bank and asked them to stop the cheque (=not pay a cheque that I had written). My mother called the bank to stop payment on the check.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The bleeding had almost stopped. I gave up smoking nearly ten years ago.
(=stop doing something annoying) Come on, you two! Stop it!
Come on, you two! Stop it! Right, stop what you’re doing and come over here. There’s nothing to stop you applying for the job yourself. (=stop walking suddenly) Sally saw the ambulance and stopped short.
Sally saw the ambulance and stopped short. American English (=stop very quickly – used about cars) This truck can stop on a dime!
This truck can stop on a dime! It’s time we stopped to think about our next move. I phoned the bank and asked them to stop the cheque (=not pay a cheque that I had written). My mother called the bank to stop payment on the check. The bleeding had almost stopped. (=a place where a bus stops for passengers)· She got off at the next bus stop.
(=stop a cheque from being paid to someone)· Don't forget to phone the bank and cancel that cheque.
(=stops working)· My clock had stopped at 6 am so the alarm didn’t work.
· Eventually, he stopped crying and told me what happened.
(=suddenly stop moving completely)· She was so shocked that she stopped dead in her tracks.
(=stop it from continuing)· These measures are intended to halt the decline in fish populations.
(=how far you travel in a car after pressing the brakes)· What’s the stopping distance at 30 miles an hour?
· Maggie pulled over and switched off the engine.
· The police were called in to break up a fight outside a nightclub.
(=a flight going straight from one place to another without stopping)· the first direct flight to Tokyo
(=stop taking a medication)· I stopped the medication when I found out I was pregnant.
· They went into a cafe and waited for the rain to stop.
(=without stopping)· It rained solidly every single day.
· Has it stopped raining?
British English (=stop a bad situation getting worse) The team has enough good players to stop the rot.
The team has enough good players to stop the rot. I gave up smoking nearly ten years ago.· The sound stopped suddenly.
· Her watch had stopped after getting wet in the sea.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· A little short of four Winds he stopped the car and they shared the remains of the picnic.· And Darlington council plan to put tree stumps around the area to stop cars getting through.· We stopped the car and got out.· I stopped the car in the entrance to the farm and would the window down an inch or two.· During the drive home, we stop the car on the side of the highway, climb out and stare upward.· When it is finished, people will stop their cars to gawp.· He stopped the car and rubbed his eyes.
· Then we saw the church and my heart nearly stopped.· A mile away, they no longer can be eagles, and the heart stops.· When she saw Andrew it seemed to her as if her heart had stopped beating.· They found her on the floor with a cracked pelvis and a heart that had almost stopped.· I can't see, but I must feel, or my heart will stop, and my brain will burst!· Illness related to his heart and immune system stopped the resurgent banker in his tracks.
· The sound began before our search was completed and it stopped me in my tracks, leaving Malc to continue alone.· I stopped dead in my tracks, unsure of what to do next.· A dreadful thought struck Jean, and she stopped in her tracks, right in the middle of the pavement.· People stop in their tracks and stare.· Several times I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of something I could not identify.· Petey stopped dead in his tracks at the question.· It had been stopped in its tracks by the Railway Inspectorate and a public outcry.· It literally stopped me in my tracks.
VERB· I try and stop myself, but I just start crying.· They had thrown bottles at the windscreen and tried to stop him.· I tried to stop, but I couldn't do it.· Both have too enthusiastically encouraged this trend, and too halfheartedly tried to stop it.· He turns back and tries to stop her, but fails.· He was ready to slide off the bed again and try to stop me.· We have been trying to stop the deteriorating effects of ageing on our skin since the times of the pharaohs.· They glance at her without interest, they do not try to stop her.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► stop something ↔ upPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► make a pit stop
- Clearly, Franco would stop at nothing to retain his hegemonic position.
- Detectives are hunting three masked raiders who they believe will stop at nothing.
- Luke Calder was a coolly calculating, ruthless man who would stop at nothing to get where or what he wanted.
- Robert Sheldrake is an unscrupulous man who will stop at nothing to get this practice.
- Shepherd stopped short of calling him a liar.
- Doctors stop short of saying the disease is always fatal, but medical literature paints a bleak picture.
- Eric Gray charged back up the court before stopping short of the center line.
- Even if it stops short of this extreme, retroactive cost justification is largely ineffective.
- He stopped short of making recommendations about weapons programs in his 90-minute meeting at the White House.
- I know people who would maim and yet stop short of murder.
- In fact, no general pattern is discernible, except that almost all stop short of full accountability to Parliament.
- Yet the argument against Ashdown's triumphalism has to stop short of encouraging the same fatal hubris among Labour politicians.
- It was my decision to close the hospital; the buck stops with me.
- The clock is stopped when a player runs out of bounds with the ball.
- If you are bled totally dry and white, they will simply stop the clock.
- Some expend tremendous energy desperately trying to stop the clock.
- You start the clock, paint the glue, fit the pieces, block the cramps.
- Almost at once there was a slight crunch of gravel under wheels as a vehicle came to a halt.
- An unshaven old man in a stained jacket comes to a stop beside us.
- As it came to a stop, it widened the frenzied cluster of moths surrounding the yellow platform light over his head.
- He rose and led them both down the stone steps, coming to a halt at the entrance to the vestry door.
- The elevator rose smoothly, then came to a stop.
- The score indicates how far the ball bounces forward before it comes to a halt.
- The train lurches into movement, then, quickly, comes to a halt.
- She heard a large vehicle draw to a halt behind her on the main road.
- She stood there while it drew to a halt.
- She turned as the car drew to a halt.
- The car drew to a halt alongside the front door, and an instant later the driver's door swung open.
- The coach had drawn to a halt outside the Theater an der Wien.
- The convoy drew to a halt in front of the hotel.
- The taxi drew to a halt where a purple awning reached out to the edge of the pavement.
- Intuit is now aiming to become a one-stop shopping source for anyone looking to do home banking.
- Once combined, the companies hope to provide one-stop shopping-all of their services to customers on one bill.
- The attraction to consumers, Schneider said, would be one-stop shopping and possibly extra services.
- The companies' will explore ways to provide one-stop shopping for utilities that want to automate many of their business functions.
- The opening would give many franchisers their first permanent showrooms and allow for one-stop shopping by potential franchisees.
- Their goal is to become the one-stop shopping mall of cyberspace.
- It's time the community worked together to put an end to the violence.
- Her old feeling for him had returned; she was determined to put an end to his sufferings and bring him home.
- It was Gloucester who chose to put an end to it.
- Judge Frossard, it seems, wanted to put an end to the inertia.
- Swiftly introduce new legislation to put an end to the trauma and misery suffered by child witnesses in court proceedings.
- That put an end to any stunt deemed risky, Weiss says.
- This trite communication put an end to Emma's overtures and she began to fade from their lives.
- Thus the event of her puberty puts an end to her pure childhood.
- To put an end to such exalted talk, I asked Mendl to tell me about Spats-making machinery.
- Paula stopped just short of calling me a thief.
- But they have stopped short of rejecting the idea altogether.
- Doctors stop short of saying the disease is always fatal, but medical literature paints a bleak picture.
- Even then I stopped short of making a complaint.
- He believed in a kind of progressive development of forms, but like Forbes stopped short of an actual evolutionary theory.
- His passion has only just stopped short of writing a structural critique of the civil engineering faults at Valhalla.
- Wisely, perhaps, Marochnik stops short of drawing any dramatic conclusions, but two things are clear.
- Yet we stop short of analysing what it is.
- At the crest of the hill, she stopped short as she read a warning sign next to the trail.
- Both stop short of demanding censorship, though Mary Whitehouse is characteristically less tentative.
- Even then I stopped short of making a complaint.
- He believed in a kind of progressive development of forms, but like Forbes stopped short of an actual evolutionary theory.
- He reads a few lines and stops short.
- He stopped short of making recommendations about weapons programs in his 90-minute meeting at the White House.
- It goes without saying that all this stops short at the people, who have been abandoned to the authorities' exploitation.
- The door opened abruptly, and over Roman's shoulder Claudia saw Dana stop short in confusion.
- Wisely, perhaps, Marochnik stops short of drawing any dramatic conclusions, but two things are clear.
- The uncertainty of such stop-go policies arguably reduced business confidence and discouraged investment.
- A dreadful thought struck Jean, and she stopped in her tracks, right in the middle of the pavement.
- An hour later they were halted in their tracks by a cataract not marked on the map.
- Blue speaks her name, in a voice that seems strange to him, and she stops dead in her tracks.
- I stopped dead in my tracks, unsure of what to do next.
- It had been stopped in its tracks by the Railway Inspectorate and a public outcry.
- People stop in their tracks and stare.
- Petey stopped dead in his tracks at the question.
- The people had stopped in their tracks, women were making their children stand behind them.
- In twenty-four hours she has been on a whistle-stop tour of three countries.
- No more whistle-stop tours of the newest shopping centre in Nuneaton to look forward to.
WORD FAMILYnounstopstoppagestopperverbstopstopperadjectivenon-stopadverbnon-stop
1not continue a)[intransitive, transitive] to not continue, or to make someone or something not continue: By midday the rain had stopped. This is where the path stops. The referee stopped the fight. The doctor advised me to stop the medication. People are fighting to stop the destruction of the rain forests.stop somebody doing something I couldn’t stop her crying. b)[intransitive, transitive] if you stop doing something, you do not continue to do itstop doing something I stopped digging and looked at him. What time do you stop work? I’ve been smoking for over ten years, and I can’t stop.stop it/that (=stop doing something annoying) Come on, you two! Stop it! Right, stop what you’re doing and come over here.2prevent [transitive] to prevent someone from doing something or something from happening: The government tried to stop publication of the book. I’m leaving now, and you can’t stop me.stop somebody/something (from) doing something Lay the carpet on paper to stop it sticking to the floor. The rain didn’t stop us from enjoying the trip.stop yourself (from) doing something I couldn’t stop myself laughing. She grabbed the rail to stop herself from falling.there’s nothing to stop somebody (from) doing something There’s nothing to stop you applying for the job yourself.3not move [intransitive, transitive] to not walk, move, or travel anymore, or to make someone or something do this: He stopped suddenly when he saw Ruth. Stop! Come back! He stopped the car and got out. I was worried that the security guards would stop us at the gate.stop at/outside/in etc She stopped outside the post office. A car stopped behind us.stop to do something Sam stopped to give me a lift.stop and do something He stopped and looked into her face.stop for I need to stop for a rest.stop dead/short/in your tracks (=stop walking suddenly) Sally saw the ambulance and stopped short.stop on a dime American English (=stop very quickly – used about cars) This truck can stop on a dime!4pause [intransitive] to pause in an activity, journey etc in order to do something before you continuestop for We stopped for a drink on the way home.stop to do something I stopped to tie my shoe.stop to think/consider etc It’s time we stopped to think about our next move.5stay [intransitive] British English informal to stay somewhere for a short time, especially at someone’s house: I won’t sit down – I’m not stopping.stop for Will you stop for a cup of tea?6will/would stop at nothing (to do something) to be ready to do anything to achieve something that you want to achieve: We will stop at nothing to save our child.7stop short of (doing) something to decide that you are not willing to do something wrong or dangerous, though you will do something similar that is less dangerous: The US government supported sanctions but stopped short of military action.8money [transitive] if you stop an amount of money, you prevent it from being paid to someone: Dad threatened to stop my pocket money.stop something from something £200 will be stopped from your wages next month to pay for the damage. I phoned the bank and asked them to stop the cheque (=not pay a cheque that I had written). My mother called the bank to stop payment on the check.9block [transitive] (also stop up) to block a hole or pipe so that water, smoke etc cannot go through itGRAMMAR: Patterns with stopstop doing something• If you stop doing something, you do not continue doing it: · Stop writing and put your pens down. ✗Don’t say: Stop to write and put your pens down.stop to do something• If you stop to do something, you stop moving or stop what you are doing for a short time, in order to do something else: · She stopped to look at the map.stop something/something stops• Stop belongs to a group of verbs where the same noun can be the subject of the verb or its object.• You can say: · He stopped the car. In this sentence, ‘the car’ is the object of stop.• You can also say: · The car stopped. In this sentence, ‘the car’ is the subject of stop.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSto stop doing somethingstop to not do something any longer: · I wish she would stop talking.· He waited for them to stop.quit especially American English informal to stop doing something: · She needs to quit complaining about her life.· It’s too late for him to quit now.give something up to stop doing something, especially something that you have been doing for a long time: · It’s so hard to give up smoking.· She wants to give up her job.· I’ve given up trying to tell my son to clean his room.pack something in informal to stop doing something, especially because you feel tired or annoyed: · Sometimes I feel like packing in my job and starting again somewhere else.· Pack it in, will you! (=used when telling someone to stop doing something, because they are annoying you)pull out of something to stop taking part in something that you have agreed to take part in: · The unions have pulled out of the negotiations.· The US decided to pull out of the competition.cease formal to stop doing something: · The company has decided to cease production of its film cameras.· The US government ceased talks with North Korea.to stop for a short timestop to stop for a short time: · Shall we stop for coffee now?· I stopped to have a look at the map.pause to stop speaking or doing something for a short time before starting again: · He paused for a moment to consider the question.· ‘I think it’s going to rain,’ she said, pausing to look up at the sky.have/take a break to stop working, studying, or driving for a short time in order to rest: · Okay, everyone. Take a ten-minute break.· If you’re feeling tired, you should have a break.break to stop working, studying etc in order to rest or eat something – used about a group of people who are doing something together: · After a couple of hours the committee broke for lunch.to stop happeningstop to stop happening: · The noise suddenly stopped.· We waited for the rain to stop.come to an end to stop – used about something that has continued for a long time: · The war finally came to an end in 1918.wear off to gradually stop – used about a pain, a feeling, or the effects of something: · The pain will soon wear off.· The excitement was beginning to wear off.· The anaesthetic took a long time to wear off.peter out to gradually stop happening or existing: · The campaign petered out after only a few weeks.cease formal to stop: · The fighting has ceased.· Production at the factory has ceased.to stop movingstop to stop moving: · Can we stop soon? I’m tired.· The bus stops right in front of the hotel.come to a halt especially written to move more slowly and then stop – used about a vehicle: · The train slowly came to a halt just outside the station.· The plane came to a halt less than twenty yards away from the limousines.pull over to move to the side of the road and stop – used about a vehicle or its driver: · The bus pulled over to the side of the road, with smoke coming out of its engine.· The police officer was waving at him to pull over.pull up to stop close to something – used about a vehicle or its driver: · The taxi pulled up outside her house.· He pulled up next to our car.come to a standstill to go slower and then stop moving completely: · The road was blocked by an accident, and the traffic quickly came to a standstill.stop back phrasal verb American English to go back to a place you have been to earlier: Can you stop back later? I’m busy right now.stop by (something) phrasal verb to make a short visit to a place or a person’s home, especially while you are going somewhere else: I’ll stop by this evening. Daniel stopped by the store on his way home.stop in phrasal verb informal1to make a short visit to a place or person, especially while you are going somewhere else: I’ll stop in and see you on my way home.stop in at I need to stop in at the library.2British English to stay at home: I’m stopping in to wash my hair tonight.stop off phrasal verb to make a short visit to a place during a journey, especially to rest or to see someone: We can stop off and see you on our way back.stop off in/at etc We stopped off in Santa Rosa for a day.stop out phrasal verb British English informal to stay out later than usual: It was a real treat being allowed to stop out late.stop over phrasal verb to stop somewhere and stay a short time before continuing a long journey, especially when travelling by plane: The plane stops over in Dubai on the way to India. → stopoverstop up phrasal verb1stop something ↔ up to block a hole or pipe so that water, smoke etc cannot go through it2British English informal to stay up late: Joe stopped up till 3 o’clock to watch the boxing.stop1 verbstop2 noun
stopstop2 ●●● S2 W3 noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Excuse me, could you tell me what the next stop is?
- I'm getting off at the next stop.
- Our trip to Africa included a stop in the Serengeti.
- We need to get off at the next stop.
- An unshaven old man in a stained jacket comes to a stop beside us.
- At Freeport, the Jones Beach stop, was the mad dash for the bus.
- Having reached Aulef and taken on water, that night was a pit stop.
- If you're looking for ground-breaking mayhem, you got off at the wrong Greyhound stop.
- The crystal ensures that the interval between reset and stop is stable and accurate.
Longman Language Activatorto stop doing something
to no longer do something that you had been doing: · He wrote quickly, but from time to time he stopped and looked out of the window.stop doing something: · I stopped reading and turned out the light.· Please will you all stop making so much noise!stop what you are doing: · Could you stop what you are doing and pay attention, please?stop for lunch/coffee/a break etc: · What time do you want to stop for lunch?
to stop doing something because you have completed it: · She spoke for ten minutes, and when she had finished the audience cheered.· We should have finished the job by next week.finish doing something: · Have you finished reading the papers?· After you've finished painting the house you can start on the garage.
especially American, spoken to stop doing something, especially something that annoys other people: quit doing something: · I wish he'd quit bothering me.· They should quit complaining and just get on with their job!
formal to stop doing something: · All conversation ceased as the two police officers entered.· The factory has now ceased production and will close next month.cease doing something: · The mill ceased operating commercially two years ago.cease to do something: · Many of these firms have now ceased to exist.
what you say when you tell someone to stop doing something spoken · Stop what you're doing when the buzzer sounds.stop doing something · Will you please stop talking and listen to me!stop it/that · Stop it! You're hurting me.
American spoken say this to tell someone to stop doing something because it annoys you: quit it/that: · Quit that! You're driving me crazy.· I hated the way she was teasing me. "Quit it!'' I said.quit doing something: · Quit fooling around and pay attention.
also pack it in British use this to tell someone to stop doing something because it annoys you: · Come on, you two, cut it out!· Just cut it out, Jim. Stop acting like a kid.· Oh, pack it in you lot, or we're going straight home.
say this when you want someone to stop doing or saying something that is annoying you: · Look, I don't want to argue with you, so just lay off.· Lay off the swearing, if you don't mind.· Hey, lay off Vinnie, will you? He hasn't done you any harm.
to stop doing something without successfully completing it to stop trying to do something because it is too difficult or because you are not determined enough: · I made several attempts to repair the damage, but gave up in the end.· Come on, don't give up yet!give up something: · We will never give up our struggle.give up doing something: · I've given up trying to get her to change her mind.give something up: · We did start a protest, but gave it up when we realized we would never be successful.
especially American to stop doing something before you have successfully completed it: · Bill was cold, hungry and tired and he wanted to quit.· She was having a lot of trouble finding a job, but she refused to quit.quit doing something: · I knew I'd never be any good at school, so I just quit trying.
to stop doing something that you had planned or started, because there are too many other problems involved: · The government has now abandoned its plans to privatize parts of the health service.· All attempts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict have now been abandoned.· Owing to rough weather, the coast guard had been forced to abandon the search.
to stop doing something that you have already started or that you intended to do: · Because of strong opposition, the government has dropped plans to increase taxes on fuel.drop everything: · I'm too busy to just drop everything and go out for the day.
informal to stop doing something because you are satisfied that you have done enough: · We've got most of the heavy work done, so I think we can leave it at that for today.
to stop doing an activity that you used to do regularly · I used to play a lot of tennis, but I had to stop when I injured my knee.stop doing something · I stopped going to church after I left home.· There's not much demand for this type of car, so we stopped making them.
to stop doing something that you used to do regularly, for example because you are no longer physically able to do it: give up doing something: · As he grew older he gave up going for walks and seldom went out.· After the accident she had to give up riding and farming.give up something: · He gave up his job so that he could look after his wife.give something up: · I used to really enjoy dancing, but I had to give it up after I became ill.
to stop studying a subject at school, college, or university: · I think I may drop French next year and concentrate on my other languages.· You can drop one subject at the end of this year if you're finding you've got too much work.
to stop a bad or unhealthy habit · She had smoked for nearly twenty years before she finally managed to stop.stop doing something · The health advice to people is simple - stop eating so much fat and eat more fruit and vegetables.
informal to stop doing something that that has been an unhealthy or harmful habit: · If you've smoked for a long time it can be very difficult to quit.quit doing something: · They told me at the hospital to quit drinking for a while.· I quit taking the pills because they were making me put on weight.
to stop doing something such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs because it is harmful or unhealthy: · If you smoke, try to give up or at least cut down.· She gave up drinking over 10 years ago.
informal to stop doing something that has been a habit for a long time, especially a bad or dangerous habit: · The centre provides help for addicts who have kicked their habit and want to stay away from drugs.· Some smokers use hypnosis to help them kick the habit.
to stop taking medicine or drugs that you have been taking regularly: · The doctor told me I could come off the drugs six months after the operation.· People need help to come off hard drugs like heroin and cocaine.
if a child grows out of a habit, he or she stops doing it as they get older: grow out of it: · Wetting the bed is a common problem, but children nearly always grow out of it.· He became obsessed with football at the age of four, and he's never grown out of it!
to stop having a particular type of food or drink to stop eating a particular type of food, especially for health reasons: · With this diet, I have to cut out bread, cookies, and cakes.· Try cutting out red meat and dairy produce, and see if your symptoms improve.
spoken to stop eating, drinking, or using a particular type of food, drink, or drug, especially for health reasons: · I'm trying to lay off rich food for a while to lose some weight.· If he really wants to write the book, he'll need to lay off the drink until he does it.
to stop working at the end of the day or during the day British · We stop work at half past three on Fridays.· They stopped work for a few minutes to consider his offer.
especially British to stop work at the end of the day: · What time do you finish work?finish (=finish work): · I don't finish until seven tonight, so I'll be late home.
spoken to stop work - use this especially to talk about a particular time that you stop work: · Is it OK if I knock off a little early tonight?· I usually knock off at about six.
informal to decide to stop working because you have done enough work, because you are very tired, or because it is late: · We realized we weren't going to get the job finished, so we decided to call it a day.· Look, we're all tired - let's call it a day.
British to stop work, put away your work equipment, and go home: · Everyone packed up and went home.· OK, guys - it's time to pack up now.
to stop working at the end of your working life · Mrs Davies retired after 45 years with the company.· Everyone should have the right to a pension when they retire.· My father retired at 65.
words for describing something that you are unable to stop doing: compulsive behaviour/gambling/eating etc something, especially something harmful, that you do because you cannot stop yourself: · Her problem is her compulsive eating.· Compulsive behaviour is often a symptom of deeper psychological problems.a compulsive liar/eater/gambler etc (=someone who is unable to stop lying, eating etc): · He's a compulsive liar -- you can't believe a word he says.
to stop walking, running etc · I was exhausted, and had to stop and rest.· Stop! Wait a minute!· I saw Maria and stopped to say hello.· We stopped at the next village to get supplies.
to slow down and stop: · The group of tourists came to a halt outside the museum.· He walked back across the restaurant and came to a halt beside our table.
to suddenly stop, especially because something has surprised or frightened you or you suddenly notice it: · Katie stopped dead and stared at him.· Francesca stopped dead in her tracks. "What did you just say?'' she demanded.
to stop moving very suddenly and stay completely still and quiet: · I froze, and listened. Someone was in my apartment.· Captain O'Leary raised his gun and shouted "Freeze!''
when a vehicle stops moving if a vehicle or its driver stops , the vehicle stops moving: · Could you stop just here on the left?· We'd better stop at the next gas station.· A yellow car stopped outside the house.
if a car or its driver pulls up , the car comes closer to something or someone and stops: pull up at/outside/next to etc: · We pulled up at a small cafe just outside Bordeaux.· A blue van pulled up behind us.
if a car or its driver pulls in , the driver stops the car at the side of the road or in a parking space: · I rounded the corner, looking for a place to pull in.· Jeff parked in front of the house and I pulled in beside him.
if a car or its driver pulls over , the driver drives to the side of the road and stops: · A policeman was standing by the side of the road, signalling to me to pull over.· I pulled over and looked at the map.· The truck pulled over and a man got out.
especially written to gradually get slower and then stop: · The taxi came to a stop outside the hotel.· The bus slowed down and came to a halt at some traffic lights.come to a sudden/abrupt halt/stop: · As Jamie spoke, the train came to an abrupt halt, nearly throwing us all on the floor.
especially written to gradually get slower and then stop completely - use this about traffic or about a vehicle: · The train came to a standstill about a mile outside Abbeville and didn't move for 20 minutes.· Traffic in the city ground to a halt as the streets filled with angry demonstrators.
if a vehicle or its driver brakes , the driver makes it slow down or stop by using the brakes: · I saw a roadblock ahead, and braked.brake hard/sharply: · A bus came round the corner and braked sharply.
to make a car, bus etc stop very suddenly by pressing very hard on the brakes: · I slammed on the brakes, skidding to a stop.
when a bus, train etc regularly stops at particular places if a train or bus stops at a place, it regularly stops there to let people on and off: · Does this train stop at Lyon?· The bus stops at the top of the hill.
British if a train or bus calls at a particular place, it stops there as part of its regular journey to let people on and off: · This is the 14:30 to Bristol, calling at Reading and Bath.· Does this train call at York?
to make someone stop moving · The police are stopping drivers to ask questions about the accident.· The truck was stopped by customs officers for a routine check.· A man stopped me in the street and asked if I knew where the theatre was.
to hold someone so that they cannot move forward or attack someone: · It took three men to restrain him.· Mary got up to go after them, but I put out my arm to restrain her.
to prevent someone from moving forward or into a place: · They put up huge barriers to hold back the crowd.· My father held me back, otherwise I would have rushed up onto the stage.
to surprise or frighten you, so that you stop suddenly: · Seeing the policeman there stopped me dead. I didn't know what to do.· Jim was stopped in his tracks by the sound of a rifle behind him.
to stop a car that is coming towards you by waving your arms: flag down something: · I managed to flag down a passing car and ask for help.flag something/somebody down: · The patrolman stepped out in front of the truck to flag it down.
if someone, especially a police officer pulls you over , they make you stop driving and park at the side of the road: · The police pulled me over and checked my licence.· He got pulled over on the way home and had to take a breath test.
to stop something such as a boat or plane, before it has finished its journey or achieved its purpose: · Two British ships were sent to intercept the convoy.· All three fighter planes were intercepted and destroyed.
to stop happening · It seemed the fighting would never stop.· Catherine stood watching the rain, hoping it would stop soon.· Suddenly, the cheering stopped and there was a deathly silence.· This waste of the earth's resources must stop.
if something that has been happening for a long time comes to an end , it stops happening: · When we had children, all our trips to theatres and cinemas came to an end.· Research at the college came to an end in 1870.· All good things must come to an end.
formal to stop happening: · Hostilities between the two countries have now ceased.· Presently, the rain ceased and the sun came out.cease altogether (=stop completely): · The sound of gunfire gradually receded and then ceased altogether.
to gradually stop happening informal to gradually end in a disappointing way - use this about an activity, a relationship, or people's interest in something: · Their romance fizzled out after a few months.· The movie made a great start, but the action seemed to fizzle out halfway through.
to gradually become less and less and then stop happening completely: · By midday the rain had petered out.· The road petered out into a muddy track.· The protest campaign petered out after a few weeks.
if pain or the effect of something wears off , it gradually becomes less until it stops completely: · The effects of the anaesthetic will wear off within a few hours.· The shock has not worn off yet and he seems to be walking around in a daze.the novelty wears off (=when you stop feeling interested or excited about something because it is no longer new): · The kids spent hours on the computer at first, but the novelty soon wore off.
if a sound fades away , it gradually gets quieter and finally stops: · He waited until the sound of the engines had faded away.· As the music faded away the audience broke into enthusiastic applause.
to make something stop happening or continuing to make someone stop doing something, or make something stop happening: · The referee stopped the fight when one of the boxers was badly injured.· It is now time to stop the war and begin negotiations for peace.· Officials are planning to take court action to stop publication of the book.stop somebody doing something: · I gave my little brother some chocolate to stop him crying.
to stop something, especially so that it never starts again: · An injury like this could put an end to her dancing career.· The outbreak of war put an end to their romance.
to finally and permanently end something that has continued for a long time: bring something to an end: · A treaty was signed which finally brought the conflict to an end.bring to an end something: · There are calls for the Prime Minister to bring to an end the uncertainty about the election date.
to make something stop changing, developing, or progressing: · The government is determined to halt the trade in illegal animal furs.· All his efforts had failed to halt the increase in street crime.
to decide that a planned action or activity should be stopped after it has already started: · The union decided to call off the strike when they were offered a 10% pay rise.· The meeting was called off at the last minute.· The hunt for the missing boy had to be called off because of severe weather conditions.
to stop an activity earlier than was planned, especially because of something unexpected such as illness or bad news: · She was forced to cut short her holiday and return to the UK.· His education was cut short when his father died of a sudden illness.
to stop an action that has been started, because it would be too dangerous to continue: · The mission was aborted after news came of the capture of the city.· The plane had already started its descent when the pilot received orders to abort his landing.
to officially order that something should be stopped, when you intend to let it start again at a later time: · We have decided to suspend all production at the factory until safety checks can be carried out.· All pay increases are to be suspended until further notice.· The trial was suspended after threats were made against witnesses.
informal to stop giving money to a plan or planned business activity so that it cannot continue: · The city council has pulled the plug on the new housing development.· Over 1000 workers lost their jobs when the company pulled the plug on plans to open ten new stores.
to keep prices or wages at the same level and not increase them: · The company has announced that it intends to freeze all salaries for a year.· All government employees have had their salaries frozen at last year's levels.
to stop something quickly before it has time to develop to stop a bad situation or bad behaviour when it first starts, before it can develop further: · If I'd known about their plan I could have nipped it in the bud there and then.· It's important to nip this problem in the bud.
to quickly stop something such as opposition to your plans that is likely to cause you trouble: · Her lawyers acted quickly to squash any of her husband's claims on her property.squash a rumour: · The chairman acted quickly to squash rumours of a takeover bid.
to stop something quickly and completely: · Losing funding now would kill the project.· Mr Howard released a statement in an effort to kill speculation in the press.
to stop normal work or services from continuing British also paralyze American to make it impossible for an industry, system, service etc to continue working normally: · Strike action has paralysed the region's public transport system.· Over Illinois, the storm broke, paralyzing the state with blizzards and freezing temperatures.
to make it impossible for an industry, system, service etc to continue working normally: · Unexpected bad weather has brought London to a standstill.· Further interest rate rises may bring the manufacturing industry to a standstill.· Rail services have been brought to a standstill by severe flooding in many areas.bring something to a virtual standstill: · Traffic was brought to a virtual standstill as protestors drove in convoy along the motorways.
to end the use of a system, service, or organization to gradually end the use of a system, product, or service: phase out something: · Ministers agreed to phase out the old voting system within two years.· Older prisons will be phased out over the next few years.phase something out: · The committee acknowledged that these chemicals are highly dangerous, and agreed to phase them out gradually.
to stop providing something that has been available or provided regularly over a period of time: · Doctors decided to discontinue the treatment when it became clear that the boy had no chance of recovering.· If fewer than ten students sign up, the course will be discontinued.
to stop something bad or illegal that people are doing · We must take action to stop this illegal trade in ivory.· All the staff are determined to stop bullying in the school.stop somebody from doing something · The new measures are intended to stop troublemakers from travelling abroad to football matches.
to stop an activity, especially one that you consider to be harmful or unacceptable: · Using children in this way is pure exploitation, and it's time we put a stop to it!· She knew that if she didn't put a stop to their squabbling now, it could go on for weeks.
to completely stop an illegal or harmful activity: · The police have introduced new measures to help stamp out violence on the city's streets.· We are determined to stamp out prostitution in this neighborhood.
to take severe action to stop an illegal activity: · The authorities are determined to crack down on terrorism.· Teachers must crack down on bullying as soon as they become aware of it.· Only by cracking down on dealers, can we stop young people getting involved with drugs.
to officially order that an activity should be stopped, especially after it has continued for a long time: · The government has called a halt to the exporting of live animals.· Companies must call a halt to the dumping of toxic waste at sea.
if someone in authority clamps down on an activity or group of people, they take firm action to stop something that is illegal or against the rules: · The new, tougher laws are intended clamp down on the carrying of knives and other weapons.· If we don't clamp down on these troublemakers now, the situation could get out of control.
to prevent something harmful from increasing and start to control and reduce it: · The only way to curb the spread of the disease is by immunizing the entire population.· The government is introducing new measures aimed at curbing inflation.
to stop opposition to a government to stop people opposing or fighting against the government, by using military force or by making their activities illegal: · The army acted swiftly to suppress the uprising.· Any opposition to the regime is ruthlessly suppressed.· The authorities suppressed publication of the journal.
: put down a revolt/rebellion/uprising etc to stop it by using military force against the people involved: · The uprising was quickly put down.· The rebellion was put down and its leaders were executed.
if the police or army break up something such as an organized protest, they use force to stop it: break up something: · The police were instructed to break up the demonstration and arrest the ringleaders.break something up: · The protest continued peacefully until government troops moved in to break it up.
to take action to stop people behaving in a violent, angry way, especially by using force: · The soldiers managed to subdue the angry crowd.· The army has been used to subdue unrest in the country's capital.
to use severe methods to stop people who are fighting or opposing you: · The rebellion was quickly crushed by forces loyal to the President.· The army is stationed near the capital, ready to crush any signs of a revolt.
especially written to make violent opposition stop by using force when it first starts, before it becomes impossible to control: · Extra police were called in to quell the disturbance.· An anti-government riot was promptly quelled by soldiers using guns and teargas.
to end a relationship · The affair ended after it was made public by the newspapers.· Our relationship just isn't working. I've decided to end it.
to end a relationship or connection with someone, especially an official one: · The Senator has been urged to break off all links with arms companies.· In the wake of the bombing, the UK is threatening to break off diplomatic relations.· His girlfriend has just told him that she wants to break off their engagement.
formal: sever ties/links/relations etc to completely end your relationship or connection with someone or something: · Since the job required that he be politically neutral, he had to sever his links with the Socialist Party.· Britain immediately severed relations with the three countries involved.
a process that cannot be stopped a process or action that is unstoppable cannot be stopped: · Political change is now unstoppable, and the regime will eventually collapse.· The war could unleash unstoppable political and economic changes.· Her rise to fame seems to be unstoppable.
a process that is remorseless continues in an unpleasant and threatening way and it seems to be impossible to stop: · The remorseless spread of the virus has led to the deaths of thousands.· the remorseless advance of the invading army
formal use this about a gradual process that cannot be stopped, especially one which leads to something very bad happening: · His jealousy sets him on an inexorable course towards murder.· the inexorable decline in Britain's manufacturing industry
a process of change that is irreversible cannot be stopped, and the situation that existed before cannot return: · New technology has brought about irreversible changes in society.· Despite claims made by skincare manufacturers, the effects of ageing are irreversible.
to prevent someone from doing what they want to do to make it impossible for someone to do something that they want to do: prevent somebody from doing something: · A leg injury may prevent Shearer from playing in tomorrow's game.· There were reports that some people had been prevented from voting in the election.
to stop someone from doing something that they want to do, especially by controlling them in an unreasonable way: · I've made up my mind to leave home, and you can't stop me.stop somebody (from) doing something: · My parents tried to stop me seeing Anne.· The government has taken legal action to stop the BBC from broadcasting a documentary about the Secret Service.
to prevent someone from doing something, especially something that might be harmful or upsetting: · Staying busy kept her from thinking about her illness.· It was all I could do to keep myself from hitting him.
to prevent someone from doing something harmful or stupid, either by physically stopping them or by persuading them not to do it: · Roger stepped forward and Martin put out his arm to restrain him.restrain yourself: · She wanted to ask him all about his private life, but wisely restrained herself.restrain somebody from doing something: · His arm was hurting him and he had to be restrained from doing too much.
to prevent someone or something from moving forward or making progress: hold back somebody/something: · The police had already erected crash barriers to hold back the advancing crowds.· The poor economic situation has held back investment in new technology.hold somebody/something back: · Bill leapt to his feet to go after the girl, but the others held him back.· She always felt that being a woman had held her back in her career.
to make someone too busy to do something else, especially something they should do: · Don't let your social life get in the way of your education.
to make it less likely that someone will do something, for example by showing them that it may have a bad or unwelcome result: · Higher taxes are likely to discourage investment.· It is a well known fact that a negative working environment discourages creativity.discourage somebody from doing something: · Higher cigarette prices do not seem to discourage people from smoking.
to make sure that something does not happen to make sure that something will not happen or cannot happen, especially something bad. Prevent is more formal than stop: · Many people now believe that a good diet can help to prevent cancer.· The new laws are designed to stop discrimination in the workplace.prevent/stop something (from) happening: · A special valve prevents the waste gases from escaping.· Stretch the rope out to stop it getting twisted and tangled up.
to do something to prevent something bad that may happen: · The company is anxious to avoid an expensive court case.· We take every precaution to avoid accidents.avoid something at all costs (=do everything possible to avoid something happening): · Civilian casualties must be avoided at all costs.
formal to do something to prevent something bad that will happen very soon if you do not do anything: · It may already be too late to avert another disaster.· Talks will be held today in a final attempt to avert strike action.
to do something to stop a difficult or unpleasant situation from developing, when it seems very likely to happen soon: · They agreed to meet government ministers in an attempt to head off a major conflict.· We managed to head off a financial crisis last year, but we may not be so lucky this year.
to carefully plan and think about what you can do in order to prevent something bad from happening: · The city council is taking emergency measures to guard against flooding in the city centre.· Use sunscreen on your skin to help guard against skin cancer.
to prevent a plan or action from succeeding to use something such as a law or an official order to prevent someone from doing something that they have been planning to do: · Britain has threatened to block new EU legislation on human rights.· The deal was blocked by the chairman, who was unwilling to commit so much company money to a risky investment.
to try to prevent someone from doing something by deliberately making it much more difficult for them: · The House of Lords has been accused of obstructing change and preventing scientific progress.· It is an offence to obstruct the police during the course of their duty.
formal to prevent someone from doing something, especially something that they very much want to do because it is personally important to them: · Harry knew now that nothing could thwart his plans.· An attempt to smuggle heroin worth £30 million into the country has been thwarted by customs officials.
to prevent something bad or criminal that someone is planning to do, by being more clever than they are: · The government has foiled an attempted military coup.· The burglar was foiled by a passer-by who noticed the broken window and phoned the police.
to stop people from expressing their opinions to prevent someone from expressing their opinions or telling people something that you want kept secret: · The Mafia uses threats of physical violence or death to silence any opposition.· Opponents of the regime are quickly silenced.
to prevent someone such as a politician or news reporter from publicly expressing their opinions, information, or ideas: · Democracy activists have been effectively muzzled by these tough new laws.muzzle the press/media: · Attempts to muzzle the country's media have failed.
to use your authority unfairly to prevent someone from telling people something or expressing their opinions - used especially in newspapers: · The government has once again used concerns about "National Security' as an excuse to gag the press.· The prime minister has been accused of attempting to gag members of his government who do not agree with his policies.
to stop yourself from having or showing a feeling to try hard to stop yourself laughing, crying, or showing anger: hold back something: · Jack held back his tears and pretended not to be disappointed.· Sarah held back a sob of relief.hold something back: · I wanted to laugh, but I managed to hold it back.· She struggled to hold her feelings back.
: stifle a yawn/a smile/laughter etc to try to stop yourself showing that you are tired, amused etc especially because you do not want to seem rude: · She stifled a yawn as the boss read out the sales figures.· Maria looked away and stifled a giggle.
written to make a strong effort to stop yourself from showing feelings of anger, sadness etc: · I suppressed an urge to laugh.· He looked at me, waiting with suppressed anger.· It's not good to suppress your feelings.
to manage to stop feeling something that affects you very strongly, for example fear, pain etc: · She managed to overcome her shyness, and stepped forward to introduce herself.· Hilton stepped into the room, fighting to conquer his feelings of disgust.
a problem that prevents you from achieving something a problem that makes it difficult but not impossible for you to achieve what you want to achieve: · The lack of money is a serious obstacle that could prevent the project from succeeding.obstacle to: · The greatest obstacle to economic progress has been mass unemployment.overcome an obstacle (=deal with it successfully): · She had to overcome a lot of obstacles to finally make it to drama college.
something that prevents someone from achieving what they want: · His disability was no bar to his entry into the profession.· Differences in religious beliefs are not necessarily a bar to a good relationship.
preventing something from improving, developing, growing etc: · I found the lack of available reference books very limiting.· There is a lot of research that still needs to be done, but money is an important limiting factor.
to prevent someone from going somewhere if someone or something is in the way , they are in a position that stops you from going where you want: · There's a car in the way and I can't get out of the garage.be in somebody's way: · Could you move please Sonia. You're in my way.
if objects or people block a road, entrance etc, they lie or stand right across it, so that no-one can pass through: · A big truck had turned over on its side, and it was blocking the road.· Hundreds of protesters blocked the entrance to the President's palace.
to block or almost block a road, entrance etc: · A small aircraft now obstructed the runway.· The driveway was obstructed by piles of stones and gravel.
something that has been deliberately put somewhere, especially across a road or entrance, to prevent people from entering a place: · The automatic barrier lifted as we drove up.· The driver slowed down as he approached the police barrier.· Only a flimsy barrier stops the crowd from spilling onto the field.
to use military force to prevent people or goods from entering or leaving an area: · In June 1948 the Russians blockaded the western sectors of Berlin.· A US fleet blockaded the port of Veracruz.
intended to prevent something happening intended to prevent something from happening or getting worse: · We should spend more money educating people about preventive medicine.· Schools must take preventative measures so that this type of tragedy never happens again.· Preventative action can easily be taken to avoid damp occurring in your house.
: pre-emptive strike/action/attack an action that is done to harm someone before they can harm you - use this especially about official or military actions: · The US says it is prepared to launch a pre-emptive strike with nuclear weapons if it is threatened.
something that can be prevented something bad that is preventable , can be prevented: · Whooping cough and measles are both preventable diseases.· Many of these deaths each year are preventable.
difficulties or problems that are avoidable can be prevented, and therefore you should not have to deal with them: · Running out of gas is annoying and easily avoidable.· Too many children are still injured in avoidable accidents.
WORD SETSacronym, nounadage, nounaffricate, nounagglutination, nounalphanumeric, adjectiveanglophone, nounantecedent, nounantonym, nounaphorism, nounarchaism, nounargot, nounaspirate, verbaspirate, nounaspiration, nounassonance, nounbaby talk, nounback, adjectiveback formation, nounbilabial, nounbody language, nouncant, nouncliché, nouncognate, adjectivecognate, nouncollocate, verbcollocation, nouncolloquial, adjectivecombining form, nouncompound, nounconcordance, nounconnotation, nounconsonant, nouncontext, nouncontraction, nouncorpus, noundative, noundeclarative, adjectivedecline, verbdecode, verbdescriptive, adjectivediction, noundiminutive, noundiminutive suffix, noundiphthong, nounelide, verbellipsis, nounelocution, nounemphasis, nounencode, verbenunciate, verb-ese, suffixetymology, nouneuphemism, nouneuphemistic, adjectiveexpression, nounfigurative, adjectivefirst language, nounformal, adjectivefricative, noungender, nounglide, nounglottal stop, nounhard, adjectivehieroglyphics, nounhigh-level, adjectivehomograph, nounhomonym, nounhomophone, nounhyperbole, nounideogram, nounidiolect, nounidiom, nounidiomatic, adjectiveinflection, nounintonation, nounIPA, nounironic, adjectivejargon, nounlabial, nounlanguage, nounlegalese, nounlexical, adjectivelexicography, nounlexicon, nounlexis, nounlingua franca, nounlinguist, nounlinguistic, adjectivelinguistics, nounlip-read, verbloanword, nounlocution, nounlong, adjectivemaxim, nounmetalanguage, nounmispronounce, verbmnemonic, nounmonosyllabic, adjectivemonosyllable, nounmorpheme, nounmorphology, nounnasal, adjectivenasal, nounneologism, nounneutral, adjectivenonce, adjectivenon-standard, adjectivenonverbal, adjectiveofficialese, nounonomatopoeia, nounopen vowel, nounorientalist, nounoxymoron, nounpalindrome, nounparagraph, nounparaphrase, verbparaphrase, nounphilology, nounphoneme, nounphonemics, nounphonetic, adjectivephonetics, nounphonic, adjectivephonology, nounphrasal, adjectivephraseology, nounpidgin, nounplosive, nounpolyglot, adjectivepolysemous, adjectivepolysyllabic, adjectiveportmanteau word, nounpragmatics, nounpreliterate, adjectivepre-verbal, adjectiveprimary stress, nounpronounce, verbpronounceable, adjectivepronunciation, nounproverb, nounpsychobabble, nounReceived Pronunciation, nounrecitation, nounregister, nounretroflex, adjectiveRP, nounschwa, nounsecondary stress, nounsecond language, nounsemantic, adjectivesemantics, nounsemiotics, nounsemi-vowel, nounshort, adjectivesibilant, adjectivesibilant, nounsic, adverbsilent, adjectivesimile, nounslang, nounsound, verbspeech, nounspeech therapy, nounspell, verbspelling, nounspoonerism, nounstandard, adjectivestem, nounstop, nounstress, nounstress, verbstressed, adjectivestress mark, nounstructuralism, nounstylistics, nounsuperlative, nounsyllabic, adjectivesyllable, nounsynonym, nounsynonymous, adjectivetechnical, adjectiveterminology, nounthesaurus, nountone, nountone language, nountoneless, adjectivetongue, nountranscribe, verbtranscription, nountrope, noununpronounceable, adjectiveunstressed, adjectiveunvoiced, adjectiveusage, nounuse, verbuse, nounvelar, adjectivevocabulary, nounvoiceless, adjectivevowel, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY We’ll make a stop at the foot of the hill. The trip includes an overnight stop in London. I put a stop on that check to the store.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The bleeding had almost stopped. I gave up smoking nearly ten years ago.
We’ll make a stop at the foot of the hill. The trip includes an overnight stop in London. I put a stop on that check to the store. The bleeding had almost stopped. (=a place where a bus stops for passengers)· She got off at the next bus stop.
(=stop a cheque from being paid to someone)· Don't forget to phone the bank and cancel that cheque.
(=stops working)· My clock had stopped at 6 am so the alarm didn’t work.
· Eventually, he stopped crying and told me what happened.
(=suddenly stop moving completely)· She was so shocked that she stopped dead in her tracks.
(=stop it from continuing)· These measures are intended to halt the decline in fish populations.
(=how far you travel in a car after pressing the brakes)· What’s the stopping distance at 30 miles an hour?
· Maggie pulled over and switched off the engine.
· The police were called in to break up a fight outside a nightclub.
(=a flight going straight from one place to another without stopping)· the first direct flight to Tokyo
(=stop taking a medication)· I stopped the medication when I found out I was pregnant.
· They went into a cafe and waited for the rain to stop.
(=without stopping)· It rained solidly every single day.
· Has it stopped raining?
British English (=stop a bad situation getting worse) The team has enough good players to stop the rot.
The team has enough good players to stop the rot. I gave up smoking nearly ten years ago.· The sound stopped suddenly.
· Her watch had stopped after getting wet in the sea.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· In 1979 Tom Kendall joined the desk from Wharton, with a brief intervening stop in the back office.· About half way back, he made a brief stop and flung the empty gasoline can far into the night.· He and his cameraman spent 17 hours traveling from one hilly location to the next, with a brief stop in Scottsdale.· After a brief stop at Gairlochy, I decide to make straight for Fiona's croft.
· We were on the verge of an affair, but the moment he met you everything came to a dead stop.· Caroline nodded, drew a deep breath, made her entrance ... And came to a dead stop.
· Then at Dunkirk we set off on the first 400-mile stage to our overnight stop at Vandanesse.· Foreigners generally get off at Novosibirsk for an overnight stop, but I stayed on the train.· If you wish, we can arrange for your luggage to be sent on ahead to each of the overnight stops.· One such overnight stop was in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to stay with and enlist the support of pilot Dorothy Leh.· Souk Sebt, a Saturday marketplace, was our overnight stop.· This journey also includes an overnight stop near Wurzburg.· We cross to Calais and continue to Brussels for our first overnight stop.
· After a short stop, it's back into midstream towards Cochem and its splendid hilltop castle.· Fern Lodge, Highgate, was one of their shorter stops, when it briefly became a centre of the literary universe.· It's only a short stop to the sand and pebble beach where watersports are also available.
· The symbol T indicates a following voiceless stop or sonorant + voiceless stop cluster.· For example, extraneous voiceless stops are often hypothesized at utterance onset.
NOUN· At a rural campaign stop in 1987, she announced she wanted to address some distant onlookers.· Dole had one of those governors at his side during every campaign stop in the Midwest.· Clinton, during a campaign stop in Michigan, said he would welcome the Perot at the debates.
VERB· We came to a stop outside my bedroom door and he made a lurching movement.· He glowered at a taxi as it came to a noisy stop at the light.· Lacuna came to a stop behind her, and pulled her gently into an embrace that for once was nothing but tender.· We reached the border gate at half past four and when we did, the bus came to an abrupt stop.· And then she realised that the hoof beats of his horse had come to an abrupt stop.· An unshaven old man in a stained jacket comes to a stop beside us.· Stirling's jeep was hit and came to a stop.· He kept his eye on a tan Ford turning slowly into the station and coming to a stop near the service area.
· He had actually succeeded in drifting forward and downward again, when the voice drew him to a stop once more.
· We made our usual rest stop and got water from the mountainside that had been piped in, so pure and tasty.· As the southbound train hit the New Hampshire-Maine border, it made an unscheduled stop.· About half way back, he made a brief stop and flung the empty gasoline can far into the night.
· There were occasions when Bloomsbury House pulled out all the stops on behalf of children who were clearly gifted - usually in the arts.· Do you suppose he has to accuse us of aggression and pull out all stops on cheap emotionalism?· We pulled out all the stops and gave the company a response in record time.· CafÄ Pinot is pulling out all the stops with its four-course aphrodisiac menu.· Lott pulled out all the stops.· But she had only ever pulled the stops out for people she loved and respected.· Soap bosses pulled out all the stops so football fever could infect Albert Square.
· I thought I'd put a stop to this nonsense!· The master put a stop to the nonsense the moment he walked in.· It's coming out of our taxes, that's where, and we ought to put a stop to it.· An attempt to annex nearby Epizephyrian Lokri was put a stop to by Hiero in 478.· The young dancer put a stop to our writing, as I had expected.· We did have a couple of suicides, but I soon put a stop to that.· Yet a polite, reasoned reply seldom puts a stop to the exchange.
· I cut the motor and roll to a slow stop.· Soon after the bus hit the strip, it rolled to a stop.· And, then, it lands with a thud and a screech until everything rolls to a complete stop.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► make a pit stop
- She decided to put a stop to their relationship.
- An attempt to annex nearby Epizephyrian Lokri was put a stop to by Hiero in 478.
- But the inquest put a stop to all that.
- I thought I'd put a stop to this nonsense!
- If I remember correctly, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar put a stop to that.
- The law officers should put a stop to the practice forthwith.
- There are some very dubious practices and we want to put a stop to them.
- They was charging people a dollar to see him before West put a stop to it.
- This should put a stop to the sort of attempt made by Hanson after it had successfully taken-over Imperial.
- Fred's pulling out all the stops for his daughter's wedding.
- If we pull out all the stops we should still be able to meet our deadline.
- They gave me a great leaving party - they really pulled out all the stops.
- CafÄ Pinot is pulling out all the stops with its four-course aphrodisiac menu.
- Judith Milner, a Healthcare consultant from Leeds pulls out all the stops when it comes to selling the range of services.
- Lott pulled out all the stops.
- Miss Pickering's pulled out all the stops this time.
- Soap bosses pulled out all the stops so football fever could infect Albert Square.
- There were occasions when Bloomsbury House pulled out all the stops on behalf of children who were clearly gifted - usually in the arts.
- We pulled out all the stops and gave the company a response in record time.
- A limousine carrying Harris and several other black passengers jerked to a stop.
- An unshaven old man in a stained jacket comes to a stop beside us.
- And moments later he comes to a stop.
- As it came to a stop, it widened the frenzied cluster of moths surrounding the yellow platform light over his head.
- He had given no sign of injury until we came to a stop.
- It swerved wildly towards the wall, bounced over the pavement and came to a stop four feet from the concrete wall.
- Once it has been consumed, the Darwinian machine comes to a stop.
- When it jerked to a stop they were led out into a narrow carpeted passage.
- The elevator finally came to a stop at the 56th floor.
- An unshaven old man in a stained jacket comes to a stop beside us.
- As it came to a stop, it widened the frenzied cluster of moths surrounding the yellow platform light over his head.
- He had given no sign of injury until we came to a stop.
- His looking finally came to a stop at the Big Nurse.
- Lacuna came to a stop behind her, and pulled her gently into an embrace that for once was nothing but tender.
- The elevator rose smoothly, then came to a stop.
- We came to a stop outside my bedroom door and he made a lurching movement.
- With a triumphant belch, the train came to a stop and soon from a first-class carriage the beloved figure emerged.
- David brought the truck to a shuddering stop.
- What is it that you just can't seem to bring yourself to stop doing?
- It was my decision to close the hospital; the buck stops with me.
- The clock is stopped when a player runs out of bounds with the ball.
- If you are bled totally dry and white, they will simply stop the clock.
- Some expend tremendous energy desperately trying to stop the clock.
- You start the clock, paint the glue, fit the pieces, block the cramps.
- Almost at once there was a slight crunch of gravel under wheels as a vehicle came to a halt.
- An unshaven old man in a stained jacket comes to a stop beside us.
- As it came to a stop, it widened the frenzied cluster of moths surrounding the yellow platform light over his head.
- He rose and led them both down the stone steps, coming to a halt at the entrance to the vestry door.
- The elevator rose smoothly, then came to a stop.
- The score indicates how far the ball bounces forward before it comes to a halt.
- The train lurches into movement, then, quickly, comes to a halt.
- She heard a large vehicle draw to a halt behind her on the main road.
- She stood there while it drew to a halt.
- She turned as the car drew to a halt.
- The car drew to a halt alongside the front door, and an instant later the driver's door swung open.
- The coach had drawn to a halt outside the Theater an der Wien.
- The convoy drew to a halt in front of the hotel.
- The taxi drew to a halt where a purple awning reached out to the edge of the pavement.
- Intuit is now aiming to become a one-stop shopping source for anyone looking to do home banking.
- Once combined, the companies hope to provide one-stop shopping-all of their services to customers on one bill.
- The attraction to consumers, Schneider said, would be one-stop shopping and possibly extra services.
- The companies' will explore ways to provide one-stop shopping for utilities that want to automate many of their business functions.
- The opening would give many franchisers their first permanent showrooms and allow for one-stop shopping by potential franchisees.
- Their goal is to become the one-stop shopping mall of cyberspace.
- It's time the community worked together to put an end to the violence.
- Her old feeling for him had returned; she was determined to put an end to his sufferings and bring him home.
- It was Gloucester who chose to put an end to it.
- Judge Frossard, it seems, wanted to put an end to the inertia.
- Swiftly introduce new legislation to put an end to the trauma and misery suffered by child witnesses in court proceedings.
- That put an end to any stunt deemed risky, Weiss says.
- This trite communication put an end to Emma's overtures and she began to fade from their lives.
- Thus the event of her puberty puts an end to her pure childhood.
- To put an end to such exalted talk, I asked Mendl to tell me about Spats-making machinery.
- Paula stopped just short of calling me a thief.
- But they have stopped short of rejecting the idea altogether.
- Doctors stop short of saying the disease is always fatal, but medical literature paints a bleak picture.
- Even then I stopped short of making a complaint.
- He believed in a kind of progressive development of forms, but like Forbes stopped short of an actual evolutionary theory.
- His passion has only just stopped short of writing a structural critique of the civil engineering faults at Valhalla.
- Wisely, perhaps, Marochnik stops short of drawing any dramatic conclusions, but two things are clear.
- Yet we stop short of analysing what it is.
- At the crest of the hill, she stopped short as she read a warning sign next to the trail.
- Both stop short of demanding censorship, though Mary Whitehouse is characteristically less tentative.
- Even then I stopped short of making a complaint.
- He believed in a kind of progressive development of forms, but like Forbes stopped short of an actual evolutionary theory.
- He reads a few lines and stops short.
- He stopped short of making recommendations about weapons programs in his 90-minute meeting at the White House.
- It goes without saying that all this stops short at the people, who have been abandoned to the authorities' exploitation.
- The door opened abruptly, and over Roman's shoulder Claudia saw Dana stop short in confusion.
- Wisely, perhaps, Marochnik stops short of drawing any dramatic conclusions, but two things are clear.
- The uncertainty of such stop-go policies arguably reduced business confidence and discouraged investment.
- A dreadful thought struck Jean, and she stopped in her tracks, right in the middle of the pavement.
- An hour later they were halted in their tracks by a cataract not marked on the map.
- Blue speaks her name, in a voice that seems strange to him, and she stops dead in her tracks.
- I stopped dead in my tracks, unsure of what to do next.
- It had been stopped in its tracks by the Railway Inspectorate and a public outcry.
- People stop in their tracks and stare.
- Petey stopped dead in his tracks at the question.
- The people had stopped in their tracks, women were making their children stand behind them.
- In twenty-four hours she has been on a whistle-stop tour of three countries.
- No more whistle-stop tours of the newest shopping centre in Nuneaton to look forward to.
WORD FAMILYnounstopstoppagestopperverbstopstopperadjectivenon-stopadverbnon-stop
1come/roll/jerk/skid etc to a stop if a vehicle comes to a stop, it stops moving: The bus came to a stop outside the school. The car skidded to a stop.2come to a stop if an activity comes to a stop, it stops happening: Work on the project has come to a stop because of lack of funding.3bring something to a stop to stop something moving or happening: David brought the truck to a shuddering stop. The UN is trying to bring the war to a stop.4during journey a time or place when you stop during a journey for a short time: Our first stop was Paris. We’ll make a stop at the foot of the hill. The trip includes an overnight stop in London.5bus/train a place where a bus or train regularly stops for people to get on and off: Our next stop will be York. This is your stop, isn’t it?6put a stop to something to prevent something from continuing or happening: The government is determined to put a stop to the demonstrations.7pull out all the stops to do everything you possibly can to make something happen and succeed: The hospital staff pulled out all the stops to make sure the children had a wonderful day.8money the action or fact of telling your bank not to pay an amount of money to someone: I put a stop on that check to the store.9music a handle that you push in or out on an organ to control the amount of sound it produces10consonant a consonant sound, like /p/ or /k/, that you make by stopping the flow of air completely and then suddenly letting it out of your mouth → full stop1