moratorium
a temporary pause or suspension of activity
Root
- mora / morari: delay, pause, or linger
Other words with the mora / morari root
- demur: to object politely or hesitate before agreeing
Moratorium keeps the delay idea in public form: an official pause before action continues.
The city announced a moratorium on new permits while it rewrote the safety rules.
Moratorium makes the delay family easier to feel. It is not a casual delay; it is an announced pause that gives people time before the next move.