Definition

A light on a vehicle that turns on when the brakes are used, helping to signal to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping.

Example

The stoplight turned on, warning the car behind me that I was about to stop.

Conversation

Did you see that stoplight change while we were driving?

Yeah, it turned red just in time for us to stop.

I always find it frustrating when the stoplight seems to take forever to change.

Me too! Sometimes I wish they would speed things up a bit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stoplight → It is formed from "stop" (from Old English *stoppian*, meaning to close or block) and "light" (from Old English *leoht*, meaning illumination). The word "stoplight" refers to a light that signals to stop, typically at an intersection.

Memory Tip

Think of a light that tells you to 'stop' — 'stop' means to close or block, and 'light' refers to illumination. This helps you remember that a stoplight signals you to halt.

Visually Confused Words