conversation stopper

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Word: Conversation Stopper

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "conversation stopper" is a remark or comment that makes it difficult for the conversation to continue. It is usually something that does not invite further discussion or response, often because it is awkward or too serious.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use the term "conversation stopper" to describe something that ends a conversation abruptly or makes it uncomfortable for people to keep talking.
• It is often used in social situations where people are trying to engage in friendly chat.

Example:

• Simple Example: If someone says, "I just lost my job," it can be a conversation stopper because others may not know how to respond to such serious news.

• More Contextual Example: During a dinner party, if someone mentions a very controversial topic, like politics, it might turn into a conversation stopper if others feel uncomfortable discussing it.

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about social skills: You might say, "To be a good conversationalist, you should avoid using conversation stoppers that can make others feel uneasy."

Word Variants:

• There aren’t direct variants of "conversation stopper," but you can use phrases like "awkward silence" or "topic killer" to convey similar meanings.

Different Meanings:

• While "conversation stopper" specifically refers to comments that halt dialogue, it can also imply a broader idea of any situation or remark that creates an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Synonyms:

• Topic killer
• Conversation killer
• Icebreaker (though this is more about starting a conversation rather than stopping it)

Idioms:

• There are no direct idioms for "conversation stopper," but you might hear someone say, "That topic killed the mood," which conveys a similar idea.

Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific phrasal verbs that directly relate to "conversation stopper," but you might encounter phrases like "bring up" a topic that can lead to a conversation stopping.

Summary:

A conversation stopper is a remark that leads to silence or ends friendly dialogue.

Academic

Noun

1. a remark to which there is no polite conversational reply

Synonyms

• stopper