Timeout
/ˈtaɪmˌaʊt/noun
A short period when an activity is paused or interrupted.
Did you know?Unlike words with occult or ancient roots, “timeout” is a straightforward 20th-century English compound built from “time” + “out,” originally tied to pauses in sports and discipline.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
tīma
“time; a period or season”
Old English
OE
ūt
“out; outside; outward”
19th Century
English
time out
“a pause or interval, especially in sports”
20th Century
English
timeout
“a brief suspension of activity or play”
Modern English
English
timeout
“a temporary pause or break”