English

Alternative forms

• timeout (especially US)
• times out (UK/CW only)

Noun

time-out ‎(plural time-outs)

1. (sports) A short break in the action of a sport, for substitution, consultation, etc.

   We're being beaten! We need a time-out!

2. A break from a tense, heated or stressful situation (often enforced, sometimes as a disciplinary measure); a cooling-off period.

   I'm going to take a brief time-out from this job.

   Hitting people is not acceptable! Go to your room and take a time-out!

3. (communication) The intentional ending of an incomplete task after a time limit considered long enough for it to end normally.

Translations