English Lexicon

Showstopper

/ˈʃoʊˌstɑːpər/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A performance or element that is so impressive that it stops the show.

    "The final act was a real showstopper, leaving the audience in awe."
  2. 2

    An outstanding feature or aspect of something that attracts attention.

    "The new smartphone's camera is a showstopper, drawing in many customers."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'showstopper' originated in the theatrical context in the early 20th century, referring to a performance or act that is so impressive it halts the show, often used to describe a song or dance number that captivates the audience. Over time, its usage expanded to various fields, including business and technology, to denote any feature or element that is exceptionally impressive or critical.

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