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time-out

/ˈtaɪm.aʊt/
noun

  1. A short break in the action of a sport, for substitution, consultation, etc.

    "We're being beaten! We need a time-out!"

  2. A break from a tense, heated or stressful situation (often enforced, sometimes as a disciplinary measure); a cooling-off period.

    "Hitting people is not acceptable! Go to your room and take a time-out!"

  3. (communication) The intentional ending of an incomplete task after a time limit considered long enough for it to end normally.

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