STOPS COLD Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "stops cold" refers to an abrupt and sudden halt or cessation of an activity, process, or momentum. It is often used to describe a situation in which something comes to an immediate and complete stop, without any gradual decrease or warning. This term can be applied to various contexts, including physical actions, mental processes, or emotional responses.
In physical terms, "stops cold" indicates the instant termination of movement or action. For instance, if a car suddenly slams on the brakes, it "stops cold"—abruptly and without any further forward motion. Similarly, if an individual halts a physical activity such as running or walking instantaneously, it can be described as coming to a stop cold without any lingering motion or slowing down.
Metaphorically, "stops cold" can be used to describe the abrupt cessation of a mental process or the immediate extinguishing of an emotional response. For instance, if someone is engrossed in a thought or focused on a problem, and their attention is diverted completely elsewhere, their thought process "stops cold." Likewise, if someone is experiencing intense anger or excitement and something happens that completely neutralizes or suppresses that emotion, it could be said that their emotional response "stops cold."
Overall, "stops cold" denotes a sudden, complete, and often unexpected interruption or termination of an action, process, or momentum. The phrase highlights the immediate and complete halt without gradual or sustained reduction.
Common Misspellings for STOPS COLD
- atops cold
- ztops cold
- xtops cold
- dtops cold
- etops cold
- wtops cold
- srops cold
- sfops cold
- sgops cold
- syops cold
- s6ops cold
- s5ops cold
- stips cold
- stkps cold
- stlps cold
- stpps cold
- st0ps cold
- st9ps cold
- stoos cold
- stols cold
- stopscold
Etymology of STOPS COLD
The phrase "stops cold" does not have a specific etymology because it is a figurative expression rather than a single word with a well-documented historical origin. However, the phrase can be dissected into its individual components to understand its meaning more clearly.
The word "stops" in this context refers to the act of ceasing, preventing, or interrupting something. It suggests abruptly halting or coming to a sudden end.
The word "cold" is used figuratively to denote a complete and immediate cessation or a sudden change without any gradual or incremental progression. It implies an instant and complete stop, as opposed to a gradual or lingering halt.
When combined, the phrase "stops cold" conveys the concept of something coming to a sudden and complete stop without warning or gradual decline.
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