- pause
- pause1 [ pɔz ] verb ***1. ) intransitive to stop moving or stop what you are doing for a short time before starting again:She paused at the door and then left.pause for breath/thought: He talked for ten minutes, scarcely pausing for breath.pause to do something: As we crossed the bridge, we paused to look at the boats.pause for: He paused for a sip of water before continuing his speech.2. ) intransitive or transitive to make a CD, video, or computer program stop for a short time by pressing a buttonpausepause 2 [ pɔz ] noun **1. ) count a short time when someone stops doing something before starting again:There was a pause before Joe said I'm sorry, I can't help you.pause in: Kate waited for a pause in the conversation.pause for: His reply was delivered with scarcely a pause for breath.2. ) count a mark over a musical note that shows the note should last for longer than usual3. ) uncount a button that stops a CD, video, or computer game and starts it again at the same pointgive someone pause (for thought)to make someone think carefully about something:a report that should give pause to supporters of the death penalty
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.