pausing Definition

pause
noun

1. A relatively short break in some activity, etc.

Thesaurus: interval, lull, break, caesura, suspension, halt, intermission, abatement, cessation, let-up (slang).
2a. music.
The prolonging of a note or rest beyond its normal duration;
2b. music.
A sign indicating this &pausesign;, usually placed above the note, etc. Also called fermata.
3. Said of a computer package, particularly a computer game: the command which causes the current operation to stop.

verb, intr paused, pausing

1. To have a break; to stop briefly.

Example: paused for a few minutes before continuing his writing
Thesaurus: wait, delay, cease, desist, take a break, take a breather (slang), take five (slang).
2. To hesitate.

Example: paused before answering

Idiom: give someone pause

To make them hesitate before acting.

Derivative: pauseless
adj

Derivative: pauser
noun

Derivative: pausing
noun, adj

Etymology: 15c: from Latin pausa, from Greek pausis, from pauein to make something cease.