pause
noun \ˈpȯz\Definition of PAUSE
1
: a temporary stop
2
a : a break in a verse
b : a brief suspension of the voice to indicate the limits and relations of sentences and their parts
3
: temporary inaction especially as caused by uncertainty :hesitation
4
a : the sign denoting a fermata
b : a mark (as a period or comma) used in writing or printing to indicate or correspond to a pause of voice
5
: a reason or cause for pausing (as to reconsider) <a thought that should give one pause>
6
: a function of an electronic device that pauses a recording
See Examples of PAUSE
- There was a brief pause in the conversation.
- After a pause the teacher continued the lesson.
- He hit pause on the player and explained the significance of the song's lyrics.
- Please hit the pause button on the remote control.
Origin of PAUSE
Middle English, from Latin pausa, from Greek pausis, frompauein to stop
First Known Use: 15th century
2pause
verb
pausedpaus·ing
Definition of PAUSE
intransitive verb
1
: to stop temporarily
2
: to linger for a time
transitive verb
: to cause to pause : stop
Examples of PAUSE
- She paused for a few seconds before crossing the street.
- We paused briefly to look at the scenery.
- He talked for over an hour without pausing.
- He picked up the remote control and paused the movie.
First Known Use of PAUSE
15th century
Related to PAUSE
- Synonyms
- break, catch one's breath, hold one's horses
Seen & Heard 
