French word

stop

Pronunciation

IPA/stɔp/

Meaning

  • interjectionstop

Example

Stop ! Ne le fais pas.

Stop! Don't do it.

Illustration for stop (stop)

More examples

Je te dis stop si tu continues.

I tell you "stop" if you continue.

Core concept

A brief shouted signal brings ongoing movement to an immediate halt.

Common phrases

  • dire stop

    say stop

  • crier stop

    shout stop

Similar words

arrête: A short, direct command to stop what is being done.
ça suffit: A brief call to stop because enough has been done.
assez: A short word urging that no more be done.
non: A brief refusal meant to stop an action or proposal.

Definition in French

Sert à interrompre quelqu'un ou quelque chose sur-le-champ, employée surtout à l'oral.

Word origin

The French interjection stop is an English borrowing ultimately derived from Old English stoppian and retains the source word's concise command form.

Usage tips

  • Stop is especially direct and abrupt in conversation, while arrête is often the more ordinary choice for telling someone to stop.

Opposites

  • vas-ygo aheadinterjection
  • allezcome oninterjection

Related words

  • stopperstopverb
  • stoppagestoppagenoun

Word lists with this word