I. ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: from the phrase stand still
1. : cessation of movement forward or backward : state of rest : stop
wheels sank in the mud and brought the car to a standstill
death was attributed to cardiac standstill from potassium intoxication — T.R.Harrison
rate of new building has reached a standstill
2. : stillstand 3
3.
a. : a state of deadlock
negotiations were at a standstill for the time being
b. : a state of paralyzing indecision or bafflement
c. : a state of exhaustion or thorough defeat
never met a man she couldn't work to a standstill — Frank Sargeson
II. adjective
Etymology: from the phrase stand still
: that stands still : that stops or rests : that maintains things in a fixed or static condition
a standstill agreement on nuclear testing