Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Moratorium
noun
/ mor-uh-TOR-ee-um /
Medium
Meaning
A temporary suspension or delay of an activity or law, especially by official authority
Origin / Etymology
Latin moratorius (serving to delay) — from morari (to delay)
Synonyms
Suspension
Freeze
Halt
Deferral
Standstill
Antonyms
Resumption
Continuation
Enforcement
Example Sentence
"The Reserve Bank of India announced a six-month moratorium on loan repayments during the COVID-19 pandemic to ease the financial burden on borrowers."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Frequently used in economy and environment answers. Moratorium on debt repayment (RBI), moratorium on GM crop approvals, nuclear test moratorium (CTBT context). Know the legal distinction: moratorium is temporary whereas repeal is permanent.
Relevant Subjects