pause - temporary inactivity

interval, time interval - a definite length of time marked off by two instants

lapse - a break or intermission in the occurrence of something; "a lapse of three weeks between letters"

blackout - a suspension of radio or tv broadcasting

caesura - a pause or interruption (as in a conversation); "after an ominous caesura the preacher continued"

dead air - an inadvertent interruption in a broadcast during which there is no sound

delay, postponement, time lag, wait, hold - time during which some action is awaited; "instant replay caused too long a delay"; "he ordered a hold in the action"

halftime - an intermission between the first and second half of a game

rest period, rest, respite, relief - a pause for relaxation; "people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests"

time-out - a brief suspension of play; "each team has two time-outs left"

letup, lull - a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished; "there was never a letup in the noise"