- 1[countable] pause (in something) a period of time during which someone stops talking or stops what they are doing There was a long pause before she answered. David waited for a pause in the conversation so he could ask his question. After a brief pause, they continued climbing. The rain fell without pause.
- 2[countable] (also fer‧ma‧ta) (music) a sign (͒) over a note or a rest to show that it should be longer than usual
- 3[uncountable] (also pause button) a control that allows you to stop a CD player, tape recorder, etc. for a short time Press pause to stop the tape. Idioms
to make someone think seriously about something or hesitate before doing something Popular resistance to the measures should give the government pause.
an occasion when nobody speaks, although people are aware that there are feelings or thoughts to express There was a pregnant pause before she replied.
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