Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
2. (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
3. a remark to which there is no polite conversational reply
4. an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down

Verb

1. close or secure with or as if with a stopper
   • She stoppered the wine bottle
   • The mothers stoppered their babies' mouths with pacifiers