# showstopper

> English word · Noun · frequency rank #61,111

## Definitions
1. A performance or segment of a theatrical production that induces a positive audience reaction strong enough to pause the production.
2. Any impediment that prevents all further progress.
3. Any impediment that prevents all further progress.

## Etymology
From show + stopper.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/showstopper