# time-out

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈtaɪm.aʊt/

## Definitions
1. A short break in the action of a sport, for substitution, consultation, etc.
2. A break from a tense, heated or stressful situation (often enforced, sometimes as a disciplinary measure); a cooling-off period.
3. The abortion of an incomplete task after a time limit considered long enough for it to end normally.

## Etymology
From time + out.

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