stall
STAWL
/stɔːl/
To delay by being evasive or using diversions; to stop making progress.
Often implies a tactical delay where someone is trying to buy time or avoid an answer.
The story behind the word. Originally referring to a 'stall' or stable for animals, the word evolved to mean a fixed standing place. By the 16th century, it took on the meaning of being stuck or brought to a standstill, eventually becoming a verb for intentional delay.
Word relationships
- filibuster: A filibuster is a specific type of stalling used in politics by giving long speeches.
- temporize: Temporize is a more formal way to say stalling to gain time or avoid a decision.
- advance: To move forward or make progress.
- accelerate: To increase speed or rate of progress.
Commonly confused with
- stop: Stopping is final; stalling is a temporary or unintended halt.
Word family
- staller (noun): One who intentionally delays.
Collocations
- stall for time
- stalling tactics
- negotiations stalled
Example sentences
- "He tried to stall for time by asking for more data, but the board saw through it." A negotiation tactic.
- "The engine stalled just as the light turned green." Mechanical failure.
Memory hook
Think of a horse in a 'stall'—it's not going anywhere. STALL means you're at a STANDSTILL.
When not to use
When describing a formal legal delay, use 'adjourn' or 'stay'.
Fun facts
- In old slang, a 'stall' was a pickpocket's assistant who distracted the victim.
Related words
Explore more words
dilatory, stonewall, prevaricate, evasion, prevarication, forestall
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