Definition of timeout

The word "timeout" has its roots in the world of sports, particularly in basketball. In the early 20th century, a "time out" was referred to as a brief pause in play to allow a player or team to rest, regroup, or receive instructions from their coach. This pause was called a "time out" because it was a brief break in the action, much like a timeout in a horse race. The term was first used in the 1910s and quickly gained popularity in other sports, such as football and baseball. Over time, the term "timeout" expanded beyond sports to refer to a pause or break in any situation, whether it be a meeting, a conversation, or even an electronic device's system failure. Today, "timeout" is widely used in various contexts to refer to a brief period of inactivity or suspension.