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"

inactivity - being inactive; being less active

time out, respite, break, recess - a pause from doing something (as work); "we took a 10-minute break"; "he took time out to recuperate"

falter, faltering, waver, hesitation - the act of pausing uncertainly; "there was a hesitation in his speech"

intermission - the act of suspending activity temporarily

freeze, halt - an interruption or temporary suspension of progress or movement; "a halt in the arms race"; "a nuclear freeze"

hem and haw - utter `hems' and `haws'; indicated hesitation; "He hemmed and hawed when asked to address the crowd"

scruple - hesitate on moral grounds; "The man scrupled to perjure himself"

delay - act later than planned, scheduled, or required; "Don't delay your application to graduate school or else it won't be considered"

cut off, disrupt, interrupt, break up - make a break in; "We interrupt the program for the following messages"

catch one's breath, take a breather, rest, breathe - take a short break from one's activities in order to relax

take five - take a five-minute break; "The musicians took five during the rehearsal"

take ten - take a ten minute break; "The players took ten during the long rehearsal"