stopper
/'stɔpə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A plug or closure: An object designed to close an opening tightly, especially in a bottle or container.
- A decisive card: (In bridge) A playing card high enough to likely win a trick in a particular suit, preventing opponents from running their cards.
- A conversation ender: A remark that is so awkward, shocking, or conclusive that it effectively ends polite conversation.
- A showstopper: An act or performance so impressive it causes a show to be temporarily delayed by audience reaction.
Verb:
- To close with a stopper: To seal or secure an opening using a stopper.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- I can't find the glass stopper for the decanter.
- He needed a heart stopper to bid confidently.
- Her comment about the scandal was a real conversation stopper.
- The acrobat's finale was the stopper of the evening.
Verb:
- Please stopper the test tube after adding the chemical.
- She carefully stoppered the perfume bottle.
Advanced Usage
- "Put a stopper on (something)": To stop, end, or bring something to a halt.
- The new regulations put a stopper on the illegal trade.
Variants and Related Words
- Stoppered (adj): Having been closed with a stopper.
- A stoppered flask is essential for that experiment.
- Showstopper (n): A performance or act that receives so much applause it interrupts the show. (Note: This is a distinct compound noun).
- Bottle stopper (n): A specific type of stopper for bottles. (Note: This is a distinct compound noun).
Synonyms
- Plug: A piece of material used to block a hole.
- Cork: A stopper made from cork, especially for wine bottles.
- Bung: A stopper for closing a hole in a cask or barrel.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases
- Stopper up: To close or block completely with a stopper.
- Make sure to stopper up the drain to fill the sink.
Related Idioms
- "Put a stopper in it!": (Slang/Idiomatic) A forceful command telling someone to be quiet.
- He was complaining so much I finally told him to put a stopper in it.
Noun
- blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
- (bridge) a playing card with a value sufficiently high to insure taking a trick in a particular suit
- if my partner has a spade stopper I can bid no trump
- a remark to which there is no polite conversational reply
- an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down
Verb
- close or secure with or as if with a stopper
- She stoppered the wine bottle
- The mothers stoppered their babies' mouths with pacifiers