Pronunciation: [stˈɒpt kˈə͡ʊld] (IPA) 
The phrase "stopt cold" is an informal way of saying "stopped abruptly" or "in its tracks." The spelling of "stopt" is a contracted form of "stopped," which eliminates the trailing "ed" sound. The use of "stopt" is more common in older texts and poetry. The word "cold," in this context, means suddenly and completely. The IPA phonetic transcription for "stopt cold" would be /stɑpt kold/.
The term "stopt cold" is an idiomatic expression that conveys the sudden halting or cessation of an action, process, or movement. It is predominantly used to describe the interruption or termination of an activity or behavior in an abrupt and immediate manner.
The phrase "stopt cold" implies that whatever was occurring or in progress is abruptly brought to a complete stop, often without any warning or anticipation. The term "cold" emphasizes the suddenness and unexpectedness of the halt, as if the action ceases instantly and completely, without any gradual decrease or lingering effect.
"Stopt cold" can be applied to various contexts. For instance, it can describe an individual abruptly stopping a physical activity, such as running or walking, with no prior indication of doing so. Similarly, it can depict the sudden cessation of a conversation or the immediate termination of an ongoing argument or disagreement.
The phrase is also commonly used to describe the sudden stopping of a mechanical or technological process. For instance, one might say that a machine "stopt cold" after a power outage or that a computer "stopt cold" following a system crash.
Overall, the term "stopt cold" denotes an unexpected and instantaneous cessation or interruption of an action, process, or movement, often with little to no anticipation or prior indication.
The phrase "stopt cold" is an idiomatic expression derived from Middle English and Old English roots.
The word "stop" comes from the Old English word "stoppian", which meant to block or hinder. In Middle English, it evolved to mean to cease or halt.
The word "cold" originally comes from the Old English word "cald", which meant cool or slightly cold. Over time, it acquired the additional meaning of a sudden or complete lack of warmth.
When these two words are used together, "stopt cold" typically means to abruptly cease or halt, leaving no room for any further progress or motion. It is an emphatic expression highlighting an immediate and complete stoppage.
