Definition of moratorium
Etymology
New Latin from Late Latin morātōrium, noun use of the neuter of morātōrius (“moratory, delaying”), from Latin morior (“I delay”) from mora (“delay”).
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA: /ˌm'.ɹəˈt"ː.ɹɪəm/, /ˌm"ː.ɹəˈt"ː.ɹɪəm/
- (US) IPA: /ˌm".ɹəˈt".ɹiəm/
Noun
moratorium (plural moratoriums or moratoria)
- (law) An authorization to a debtor, permitting temporary suspension of payments. [from 19th c.]
- A suspension of an ongoing activity. [from 20th c.]
Further reading
A moratorium is a delay or suspension of an activity or a law. In a legal context, it may refer to the temporary suspension of a law to allow a legal challenge to be carried out.
For example, Animal rights activists and conservation authorities may request a fishing or hunting moratoriums to protect endangered or threatened animal species. These delays, or suspensions, prevent people from hunting or fishing the animals in discussion.
Another instance is a delay of legal obligations or payment. A legal official can order a delay of payment due to extenuating circumstances, which render one party incapable of paying another.
References:
- Wiktionary. Published under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
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