Moratorium

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