noun

moratorium

moratorium, temporary prohibition, suspension

They called for a moratorium on nuclear testing.

They called for a moratorium on nuclear testing.

The bank has declared a moratorium on loan repayments.

The bank has declared a moratorium on loan repayments.

((a moratorium)) ((on sth.)) a temporary prohibition of an activity. They called for a moratorium on nuclear testing.

Synonyms: ban, suspension, prohibition, halt; Antonyms: continuation, resumption.

From Latin 'morari' meaning 'to delay'. The '-orium' suffix often denotes a place or instrument.

Think of needing 'more time', so you put a 'moratorium' on something to delay it.

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