halt

Everyday

1. (verb) To stop, or to make something stop. tree →
2. (noun) A stop: «come to a halt». tree →
3. (interjection) «Halt!» — an order to stop at once, used by soldiers or guards. tree →

In the lessons

In stories: guards shout «Halt! Who goes there?» In news: «Work was halted by the rain». In safety: vehicles «come to a halt» at red lights. «Grind to a halt» = slowly stop.

Examples

• The bus came to a halt at the lights. tree →
• "Halt!" shouted the guard. tree →
• Rain halted the cricket match. tree →
• The traffic ground to a halt. tree →
• The train halted at the station. tree →
• The teacher halted the race when a child fell. tree →
• Stop! halt!” urged one of the singers. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Formal or dramatic word for «stop». Adjective «halting» = slow and unsure («halting speech»).

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to limp or be lame, not to stop. Prophet Elijah says the people "halt between two opinions" in the same sense.

Interpretation. The limping dance of Baal's prophets shows how empty their worship was, while Israel is called to choose clearly.

Examples

• And they danced in halting wise about the altar which was made. (Prophets 1KI.18.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• For I am ready to halt, and my pain is continually before me. (Writings PSA.38.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sons of the stranger fade away, and come halting out of their close places. (Prophets 2SA.22.46, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb. Formal or dramatic word for «stop». Adjective «halting» = slow and unsure («halting speech»).