Time-out

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈtaɪm.aÊŠt/

Alternative forms

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

Origin

• time + out

Full definition of time-out

Noun

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.

Derived terms

• time-out room, timeout room