■ verb stop temporarily.
↘temporarily interrupt (a process or device).
■ noun a temporary stop in action or speech.
↘ Music a mark () over a note or rest that is to be lengthened by an unspecified amount.
↘a control allowing the temporary interruption of recording, playback, or other process.
Phrases
give someone ~ ( for thought ) cause someone to think carefully or hesitate before doing something.
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. pausa , from Gk pausis , from ~in 'to stop'.