Mothball
noun
A small ball of a chemical used to protect clothing from insects.
She placed a mothball in the box to keep the clothes safe from moths.
Usage tips
Neutral
clothing preservation, insect repellent, chemical treatment
verb
To store something away or to suspend some plans or activities.
They decided to mothball the old factory instead of closing it completely.
Usage tips
Neutral
put on hold, store away, suspend operation
noun
A small ball of a chemical used to protect clothing from insects.
She placed a mothball in the box to keep the clothes safe from moths.
Usage tips
Neutral
clothing preservation, insect repellent, chemical treatment
verb
To store something away or to suspend some plans or activities.
They decided to mothball the old factory instead of closing it completely.
Usage tips
Neutral
put on hold, store away, suspend operation
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
This definition involves the physical product that protects clothing.
People use mothballs to prevent moths from damaging their clothes.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
Mothball can also mean to put something into storage or to stop using it.
The company had to mothball its project due to lack of funding.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often, mothballs are associated with unpleasant smells or outdated methods.
Many people dislike the smell of mothballs.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
This definition involves the physical product that protects clothing.
People use mothballs to prevent moths from damaging their clothes.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
Mothball can also mean to put something into storage or to stop using it.
The company had to mothball its project due to lack of funding.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often, mothballs are associated with unpleasant smells or outdated methods.
Many people dislike the smell of mothballs.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
This definition involves the physical product that protects clothing.
People use mothballs to prevent moths from damaging their clothes.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
Mothball can also mean to put something into storage or to stop using it.
The company had to mothball its project due to lack of funding.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often, mothballs are associated with unpleasant smells or outdated methods.
Many people dislike the smell of mothballs.
Never forget "Mothball"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension