Phrase guide

hard stop

noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A mechanical device that limits the travel of a mechanism.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A definite time when someone must end a task; a non-negotiable deadline.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I have a hard stop at 4 pm, so please try to cover everything in the meeting before then.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A tactic used by armed police to stop a vehicle believed to contain dangerous criminals.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

Synonym of full stop.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: full stop

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.