Moratorium

/ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/ noun

Definition

A moratorium is an official pause or suspension of an activity, often by a government or organization. It temporarily stops something, like building, drilling, or debt payments, so people can reconsider or reorganize.

Etymology

From Late Latin “moratorium,” meaning “a delaying,” from Latin “morari,” “to delay.” It first appeared in legal and financial contexts about delaying obligations.

Kelly Says

A moratorium is literally a ‘delay button’ written into law—time-out as a political tool. It shows that sometimes, not acting is itself a powerful, organized action.

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