B2nounbusinesstransport
US/ˈstænd.stɪl/
UK/ˈstænd.stɪl/
a situation in which all movement or activity has stopped
In context
Traffic came to a standstill after the accident on the bridge.
The strike brought the whole factory to a standstill.
Talks between the two sides have ground to a standstill.
Words that go with standstill
verb + preposition
- come to a standstillThe city came to a standstill in the heavy snow.
- bring something to a standstillThe storm brought the airport to a standstill.
- grind to a standstillNegotiations began to grind to a standstill last week.
- be at a standstillThe economy is at a standstill.
noun + preposition
- at a standstillProduction is at a standstill because of the shortage.
noun + noun
- traffic standstillThere was a traffic standstill on the main road for hours.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The traffic stopped at a standstill.Correct: The traffic came to a standstill.