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moratorium

noun

/ˌmɒrəˈtɔːrɪəm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of moratorium

A temporary suspension or delay of an activity, often enacted by a government or other authority.
"The government declared a moratorium on fracking in the national park."

Detailed meaning of moratorium

A moratorium is The purpose of a moratorium is usually to allow time for review, consideration, or investigation of the activity in question. For example, a government might impose a moratorium on logging in a certain area in order to assess its impact on the environment. A moratorium can also refer to a delay in repayment of a debt or a pause in the enforcement of a law. In all cases, a moratorium is meant to provide a temporary pause so that decisions can be made with greater care and consideration. The duration of a moratorium can vary, but it is usually time-limited, after which the original activity or condition will resume or be reevaluated.

Example sentences containing moratorium

1. The government imposed a moratorium on new construction projects.
2. During the moratorium, no drilling was allowed in the protected area.
3. The company agreed to a moratorium on layoffs during the economic crisis.
4. The moratorium on student loan payments provided relief for borrowers.
5. The environmental group called for a moratorium on logging in the forest.
6. The moratorium on evictions helped struggling tenants stay in their homes.

History and etymology of moratorium

The noun 'moratorium' has its origins in Latin, originating from the word 'moratorius,' which is derived from 'morari,' meaning 'to delay' or 'to linger.' In Latin, 'moratorius' described something that pertained to delay or suspension. As the term was adopted into English, it retained this fundamental meaning, referring to a temporary suspension or delay of an activity, often enacted by a government or other authority. A 'moratorium' typically serves as a deliberate pause or cessation of a particular action or process, often to allow for further evaluation or to address specific concerns. The etymology of 'moratorium' underscores the concept of delay or suspension, emphasizing the idea of a temporary halt in a designated activity or practice.

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Further usage examples of moratorium

1. The moratorium on international travel affected the tourism industry.
2. Due to the pandemic, there was a moratorium on live events and concerts.
3. The moratorium on pesticide use aimed to protect endangered species.
4. The city declared a moratorium on new business licenses in the area.
5. The moratorium on exports was intended to secure domestic supplies.
6. They proposed a moratorium on genetically modified crop cultivation.
7. The moratorium on hunting helped preserve the wildlife population.
8. A moratorium on capital punishment was a step toward reform.
9. The government implemented a moratorium on cryptocurrency trading.
10. The moratorium on utility disconnections prevented service cutoffs.
11. A moratorium on offshore drilling aimed to protect marine ecosystems.
12. The moratorium on beach access upset tourists and locals alike.
13. A moratorium on land development was enacted to study its impact.
14. The moratorium on fireworks reduced noise pollution in the city.
15. The company requested a moratorium on their loan payments due to financial difficulties.
16. The school board imposed a moratorium on new construction projects.
17. The moratorium on evictions provided temporary relief for struggling renters.
18. The city council lifted the moratorium on new businesses in the downtown area.
19. The university announced a moratorium on in-person events due to the pandemic.
20. The moratorium on hunting endangered species was welcomed by conservationists.
21. The bank issued a moratorium on foreclosures during the economic downturn.
22. The moratorium on executions was a step towards criminal justice reform.
23. The governor called for a moratorium on new state regulations to ease the burden on businesses.
24. The moratorium on international travel disrupted many people's vacation plans.