Halted

The past tense and past participle of 'halt,' meaning to bring to an abrupt stop, cease movement or activity, or interrupt progress. It signifies a sudden or unexpected cessation. This can apply to physical actions, such as walking or a vehicle's motion, or abstract concepts like discussions, production, or the spread of something. The duration of the 'halt' can vary from a brief pause to a permanent cessation. The implication is generally one of deliberate action or external influence causing the stoppage. Often implies control or an element of force causing cessation.

Halted meaning with examples

• The car suddenly halted at the intersection, screeching tires the only warning. The driver slammed on the brakes, a deer darting across the road causing the quick halt. He cursed under his breath, thankful for the quick reflexes that allowed him to halt and avoid a collision. This unforeseen halt disrupted his morning commute, forcing him to find a detour.
• The construction crew halted all work when a thunderstorm rolled in, the foreman shouting a warning for everyone to take shelter. Safety protocols dictated this immediate halt to prevent any accidents from lightning strikes or falling objects. They waited under the bridge, watching the downpour and hoping the halt wouldn't last all day, eager to resume progress on the new building.
• The negotiations between the two countries halted due to a disagreement over trade tariffs, the talks seemingly deadlocked. Diplomats worked tirelessly, attempting to resolve the issue and prevent the formal halt in talks from escalating into a trade war. Both sides recognized the necessity for continued dialogue, seeking to find a compromise before a permanent halt could harm the relationship.
• Production at the factory halted when a vital piece of equipment malfunctioned, grinding the assembly line to a stop. The technicians were immediately dispatched to diagnose and repair the faulty machine. The managers worried that the unexpected halt would impact the quarterly output. Despite the challenges, the workers maintained a positive attitude and helped where they could.