moratorium
mawr-uh-TAWR-ee-uhm
/ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/
A temporary prohibition of an activity.
A formal, often government-mandated delay, usually applied to debts, construction, or legal executions.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'mora', meaning 'delay'. It was originally a legal term used to describe a period during which a debtor has a legal right to delay payment.
Word relationships
- ban: A ban is usually intended to be permanent; a moratorium is specifically temporary.
- freeze: A freeze is an informal term for a moratorium, often used for prices or hiring.
- continuation: The action of carrying something on over time.
- renewal: The instance of resuming an activity after an interruption.
Commonly confused with
- sanction: A sanction is a penalty; a moratorium is a delay or pause.
Collocations
- declare a moratorium
- moratorium on debt
- temporary moratorium
Example sentences
- "The government has called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until more research is conducted." Environmental policy.
- "The bank announced a moratorium on mortgage payments for those affected by the flood." Financial news.
Memory hook
Think of 'More Time'—a moratorium gives you more time by stopping the clock. MOR-atorium: MORE time to wait.
When not to use
Too heavy for personal use; you wouldn't have a 'moratorium' on eating cookies.
Fun facts
- The word 'demur' (to raise doubts) also comes from the same Latin root 'mora'.
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