lull

Lull is a word with both noun and verb forms in English. As a noun, it denotes a temporary quiet or pause in activity, noise, or motion, such as a lull in a conversation, a lull in the wind, or a seasonal lull in business. As a verb, lull means to cause someone or something to become quiet or sleepy, to soothe or pacify, or to induce sleep; it can also mean to calm moments of activity or to make someone fall into a false sense of security.

Common usages span several contexts. In music and child care, a lullaby is a song intended to soothe a child to sleep. In meteorology and nautical settings, a lull describes a brief pause in the wind or weather, enabling movement to resume. In economic or social discussions, a lull refers to a temporary downturn or slowdown in activity, followed by a possible return to growth or change.

Origin and related forms: The word lull likely comes from a Proto-Germanic root meaning to cause to lie still, though its exact origin is uncertain. The verb lull is the older sense, with the noun sense deriving from the verb. The related noun lullaby describes a song used to lull a child to sleep, linking the soothing action to a product of care and parental reassurance.