Question:

[conuly]

What difference, if any, is there between telling somebody “stop” and “time-out”?

Comments

[silveradept]

As directives to other people, "stop" is generally "cease this activity immediately" and in some situations is "cease involving me in this activity immediately." "Time-out" is generally "pause this activity immediately and continue in a paused state until all obstructions (physical and/or mental) are cleared from the field of activity and a signal is given to resume."

If "time-out" is being used as a disciplinary indication, then it's "cease the activity, proceed to the penalty area, and contemplate your life choices until you are released by a higher authority."