moratorium
mor-uh-TOR-ee-um
/ˌmɒrəˈtɔːriəm/
A temporary prohibition of an activity.
A deliberate, formal pause, often used for safety or ethical reasons (e.g., a moratorium on hunting).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'morari,' meaning to delay. It originally referred to a legal period during which a person was allowed to delay paying a debt.
Word relationships
- suspension: A moratorium is more official and often applies to a specific law or activity.
- continuation: Continuation is the act of keeping an activity going.
Commonly confused with
- limbo: Moratorium is a formal 'stop' button; limbo is an informal 'waiting' room.
Word family
- moratoria (noun): plural form of moratorium
Collocations
- declare a moratorium
- place a moratorium
- lift a moratorium
Example sentences
- "The government declared a moratorium on deep-sea drilling until the safety review was complete." Environmental policy
- "There is an international moratorium on commercial whaling." International law
Memory hook
A 'Moratorium' means 'More' 'Time' is needed before we continue. A 'Pause' button on a remote control.
When not to use
Do not use for an accidental stop; it must be a planned decision.
Fun facts
- The word 'demure' (reserved or quiet) comes from the same Latin root 'morari'.
Related words
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