Time-out

A time-out is a temporary break from an activity, situation, or interaction that allows individuals to regain composure, reflect, and reset their thoughts or behavior. Commonly used in educational and disciplinary contexts, time-outs can serve as a tool to manage disruptive behavior in children and provide a moment of calm for individuals in stressful situations. It is usually a brief period where a person is removed from a challenging situation to help mitigate emotional responses.

Time-out meaning with examples

• After an argument with her sibling, Emma took a time-out in her room to collect her thoughts and calm down, later returning with a clearer mind and a willingness to discuss the issue more rationally.
• The teacher implemented a time-out corner in the classroom, allowing students who were feeling overwhelmed or disruptive to step aside and take a moment to themselves, which significantly improved overall classroom behavior.
• During the intense match, the coach called a time-out to strategize with the team, allowing them to regroup and refocus their efforts before heading back into the game with renewed enthusiasm.
• As tensions rose during the meeting, the manager suggested a time-out for everyone to take a breath, grab some water, and return in ten minutes, enabling a more productive and cooperative discussion afterward.
• After dealing with multiple stressful situations, Sarah decided to give herself a time-out for the weekend, booking a spa retreat to unwind, recharge, and reflect on her current state of mind.