Pause

English Meaning

A temporary stop or rest; an intermission of action; interruption; suspension; cessation.

1. To cease or suspend an action temporarily.
2. To linger; tarry: paused for a while under the huge oak tree.
3. To hesitate: He paused before replying.
4. To cease or suspend the action of temporarily; stop for an interim: "Once a movie [ordered on demand] begins, it can be paused but not rewound or fast-forwarded” ( George Judson).
5. A temporary cessation.
6. A delay or suspended reaction, as from uncertainty; a hesitation: After a pause the audience broke into cheers.
7. A break, stop, or rest, often for a calculated purpose or effect: After a dramatic pause, the lawyer finished her summation.
8. Music A sign indicating that a note or rest is to be held.
9. A break or rest in a line of poetry; a caesura.
10. Reason for hesitation: The immensity of the task gives one pause.