moratorium

/ˈmɔrəˌtɔriəm/

/mɔrəˈtɔriəm/

Other forms: moratoriums; moratoria

A moratorium is the suspension of a particular activity — you could have a moratorium on fishing, baking, the use of candles, or the wearing of matching socks.

Generally, moratoriums go into effect when something becomes seen as being not okay for now, but might go back to being okay later. After the water fountain started to burble up green sludge, the principal put a moratorium on drinking any water at school until the fountains were fixed and the water tested.

Definitions of moratorium

1. noun

   suspension of an ongoing activity
   type of:

   abeyance, suspension

   temporary cessation or suspension
2. noun

   a legally authorized postponement before some obligation must be discharged
   type of:

   delay, hold, postponement, time lag, wait

   time during which some action is awaited