Stop dead Meaning in English
expression
ˈstɑp/ /ˈdɛd
STOP-ded
stˈɒp/ /dˈɛd
STOP-ded
Definition
To suddenly stop moving or doing something, often because of surprise, fear, or danger.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and vivid; 'stop dead' is stronger than 'stop suddenly'. Common with 'in one's tracks': 'stop dead in your tracks'. Often used for dramatic effect in storytelling.
Spanish: pararse en seco - detenerse de golpePortuguese (BR): parar de repente - parar bruscamentePortuguese (PT): parar de repente - parar bruscamenteChinese (Simplified): 突然停下Chinese (Traditional): 突然停下Hindi: अचानक रुक जानाArabic: توقف فجأةBengali: অচল দাঁড়িয়ে পড়া - হাঁটাচলা বন্ধ করে থেমে যাওয়াRussian: остановиться как вкопанный - замереть на местеJapanese: ピタリと止まる - 急に立ち止まるVietnamese: đứng sững lại - dừng lại đột ngộtKorean: 갑자기 멈추다 - 완전히 멈춰서다Turkish: donup kalmak - bir anda durmakUrdu: اچانک رُک جانا - وہیں جم جاناIndonesian: berhenti mendadak - berhenti total
Example Sentences
I stopped dead when I saw the snake on the path.
basic
The car stopped dead in the middle of the street.
basic
The music stopped dead during the performance.
basic
He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the scream.
natural
Everyone stopped dead when the lights went out.
natural
The runner stopped dead after hearing a loud bang behind him.
natural