/mɒrəˈtɔriəm/ MA-rə-TOR-ee-əm

Definitions

1. noun

A temporary suspension or prohibition of an activity, especially one that is subject to regular review or renewal

“The government declared a moratorium on fracking in the area to allow for further environmental assessment.”

2. noun

A delay or suspension of payments or debts, often granted by a creditor to an insolvent debtor

“The bank agreed to a moratorium on loan repayments for customers affected by the economic downturn.”

3. noun

A temporary suspension of a process, especially one that is subject to regular review or renewal

“The court imposed a moratorium on the execution of the death penalty while the appeal process was ongoing.”