'standstill' originates from Middle English, combining 'stand' and 'still', where 'stand' meant 'to be in an upright position' and 'still' meant 'motionless'.

'standstill' evolved from the Middle English phrase 'stand stille', eventually becoming the modern English word 'standstill'.

Initially, it meant 'to remain motionless', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a complete stop'.