Definition of "time-out" in English

noun

1. (sports) A short break in the action of a sport, for substitution, consultation, etc.

   • We're being beaten! We need a time-out!

2. (childish) A break from a tense, heated or stressful situation (often enforced, sometimes as a disciplinary measure); a cooling-off period.

   • I'm going to take a brief time-out from this job.
   • Hitting people is not acceptable! Go to your room and take a time-out!

3. (communication) The abortion of an incomplete task after a time limit considered long enough for it to end normally.