CultureAugust 17, 2026

showstopping

SHOH-stop-ing

Definition

Striking, impressive, or spectacular enough to temporarily halt a performance due to the audience's enthusiastic reaction.

Etymology

Originating in the early 20th-century American theater, the term literally describes a performance so captivating that it forces the audience to stop the show with applause or cheers.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the combat sequences in the movie Zatoichi, emphasizing that they are particularly impressive and visually arresting.

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