Definitions:

1. a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something noun
   • The pause was five minutes long.
2. temporary inactivity noun
   • There is a pause right now.
3. to cease an action temporarily verb
   • We paused for halftime.
4. to interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing verb
   • The speaker paused before important phrases to add emphasis.

Synonyms:

• break
• hesitate