Noun
pause -
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
intermission ,
break ,
interruption ,
suspension
time interval ,
interval a definite length of time marked off by two instants
lapse a break or intermission in the occurrence of something; "a lapse of three weeks between letters"
blackout a momentary loss of consciousness
caesura a break or pause (usually for sense) in the middle of a verse line
dead air an inadvertent interruption in a broadcast during which there is no sound
time lag ,
delay ,
postponement ,
wait ,
hold the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
halftime an intermission between the first and second half of a game
rest period ,
respite ,
rest ,
relief a pause from doing something (as work); "we took a 10-minute break" ; "he took time out to recuperate"
time-out a brief suspension of play; "each team has two time-outs left"
pause -
temporary inactivity
inactivity being inactive; being less active
time out ,
recess ,
respite ,
break an enclosure that is set back or indented
falter ,
faltering ,
hesitation ,
waver the act of pausing uncertainly; "there was a hesitation in his speech"
intermission the act of suspending activity temporarily
Verb
pause -
cease an action temporarily; "We pause for station identification" ; "let's break for lunch"
intermit ,
break
disrupt ,
interrupt ,
cut off ,
break up throw into disorder; "This event disrupted the orderly process"
catch one's breath ,
take a breather ,
breathe ,
rest draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs; "I can breathe better when the air is clean" ; "The patient is respiring"
take five take a break for five minutes; "The musicians took five during the rehearsal"
take ten take a ten minute break; "The players took ten during the long rehearsal"
pause -
interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing; "The speaker paused"
hesitate
delay cause to be slowed down or delayed; "Traffic was delayed by the bad weather" ; "she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform"
hem and haw utter `hems' and `haws'; indicated hesitation; "He hemmed and hawed when asked to address the crowd"
scruple have doubts about
