ClimateAugust 20, 2026

moratorium

mor-uh-TOR-ee-um

Definition

A temporary prohibition or an official authorized delay on an activity or the use of certain terms.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'moratorius' (delaying), coming from 'morari' meaning 'to delay' or 'to linger'.

In the news

The article mentions a moratorium on specific social science terms in federal grant proposals, which researchers argue hinders progress in understanding human impacts and risk communication.

The State of Fire

Read the full article ↗

AMS Headlines

Related words

boreal

Relating to the northern geographical regions, specifically the northern forest zone…

Climate

conflagrations

Large, destructive, and uncontrollable fires that spread rapidly and cause significant…

Climate

desilt

To remove accumulated silt or sediment from a water channel, pipe, or drainage system.

Climate

leeward

The side of something, such as a building, hill, or city, that is sheltered from or…

Climate

maximalist

Favoring or characterized by the most comprehensive, extensive, or rigorous approach,…

Climate

periwinkle

A small edible marine snail often found in coastal or tidal areas, which relies on…

Climate

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.