moratorium Definition
mora·to·rium (môr′ə tôr′ē əm)
noun pl. -·ri·ums or -·ria-ə
- a legal authorization, usually by a law passed in an emergency, to delay payment of money due, as by a bank or debtor nation
- the effective period of such an authorization
- any authorized delay or stopping of some specified activity
Etymology: ModL < neut. of LL moratorius, delaying < L morari, to delay < mora, a delay: see merit
moratorium Synonyms
moratorium Usage Examples
Preposition: on
- whaling: Norway in the IWC In 1982, the IWC adopted a moratorium on all commercial whaling, to take effect from 1986.
- importation: The Economic Council of West African States ( ECOWAS ) has in place a voluntary moratorium on the importation and manufacturing of SALW.
- growing: What is MAFF's position on the call by English Nature for a three year moratorium on the commercial growing of GM crops?
- explosion: Pending entry into force, NPT parties called for a moratorium on nuclear test explosions.
- testing: Five years ago, I extended the moratorium on testing passed by Congress in 1992.
- planting: A moratorium on the planting of GM food crops.
Converse of object
- declare: I want to declare a moratorium on further words.
- impose: However, Ministers ruled out imposing a moratorium on special school closures.
- overturn: The forum also heard the CBD's own scientific advisors advocate caution, and African NGOs slam the move to overturn the moratorium.
- observe: Larry Stammer of the Los Angeles Times reports that Bishop Jon Bruno has said he will observe a personal moratorium on blessing same-sex unions.
- announce: In announcing a moratorium, India has already accepted the basic obligation of the CTBT.
Adjective modifier
- unilateral: Pakistan has declared a unilateral moratorium on nuclear tests.
- five-year: The Forum had much to debate in light of the five-year moratorium on genetic testing which took effect from the start of November.
- 5-year: In March 2004, the Knesset ( Israel's parliament ) extended the previous 5-year moratorium, until March 2009.
- two-year: In the light of public concern the HGC had advised the government to set a two-year moratorium on genetic tests for insurance.
- indefinite: Mr Paul Szabo MP has called for an indefinite moratorium on embryo research.
- four-year: The motion replaced an even tougher motion, which would have put a four-year moratorium on the general release of GM canola.
Modifies a noun
underwriting: Health insurers responded stating that stringent guidelines for moratoria underwriting were in place.
Noun used with modifier

