制止

制止 means 'to stop' or 'to prevent' something from happening. It is often used in contexts where an action needs to be halted, such as stopping a conflict, a harmful behavior, or an ongoing process.

The character 制 (zhì) originally meant 'to make' or 'to control,' and 止 (zhǐ) means 'to stop' or 'to halt.' Together, they form a compound verb that emphasizes the act of controlling or halting an action through deliberate effort.

制止 is commonly used in formal or official contexts, such as in law enforcement, public safety, or social regulations. It can also appear in everyday conversations when someone wants to prevent a negative outcome. Related expressions include 制止犯罪 (to stop a crime) or 制止冲突 (to stop a conflict).