Moratorium

Definition

Moratorium is a noun meaning a temporary suspension or prohibition of an activity, often imposed by an authority; in law and finance, it also refers to an authorized period during which a debtor may postpone payment or a party may delay performance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/
• Respelling: MOR-uh-TAWR-ee-um

British English

• IPA: /ˌmɔːrəˈtɔːriəm/
• Respelling: MAW-ruh-TAW-ree-əm

Etymology

Early 20th century: from Late Latin morātōrium “a delaying,” neuter of morātōrius “tending to delay,” from Latin mora “delay, pause.”

Derivatives

• moratoria (plural) / moratoriums (less formal plural)
• moratory (adjective, legal) — pertaining to or authorizing a delay
• pre-moratorium (adjective/modifier)
• post-moratorium (adjective/modifier)

Synonyms

• suspension
• ban
• freeze
• halt
• stay
• pause
• reprieve
• standstill

Antonyms

• resumption
• continuation
• authorization
• approval
• implementation
• green light

Usage

General: Commonly followed by on + noun/gerund (e.g., “moratorium on evictions / drilling / hiring”). Used in governmental, corporate, scientific, and legal contexts to signal a formal pause.

• “The city council enacted a moratorium on short-term rentals.”
• “Researchers called for a moratorium on the procedure until safety improves.”

Legal/Financial: Refers to an authorized delay in fulfilling obligations (e.g., debt repayments) or in enforcing rights.

• “The central bank announced a debt-repayment moratorium for affected borrowers.”

Related Terms

• Stay: A court order halting a proceeding or enforcement.
• Injunction: A judicial order restraining an action.
• Deferment/Forbearance: Authorized postponement of payment or performance.
• Embargo: An official ban on trade or activity (esp. commerce).
• Sunset clause: A provision that causes a measure to expire after a set time.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A temporary suspension or ban on a particular activity — typically imposed by a government, regulator, or organization.
  • Example: “The agency issued a moratorium on new offshore licenses.”
• (Law/Finance) An authorized period of delay in meeting a legal or financial obligation — especially repayment of debts or enforcement of claims.
  • Example: “Following the disaster, lenders granted a six-month moratorium on loan repayments.”
• A deliberate pause to reassess risks, policies, or ethics before proceeding — common in scientific or technological fields.
  • Example: “The consortium declared a voluntary moratorium on field trials pending review.”