stilling

Stilling is a noun in English formed from the verb still, meaning the act or process of making something still or quiet, or the state of quiet, rest, or cessation. The term can describe the act of quieting motion, sound, or emotion, as well as the cessation of activity or operation. For example, the stilling of a windstorm reduces disturbance, and the stilling of an engine involves bringing it to a halt. A moment of stilling refers to a period of quiet or calm.

In technical and scientific usage, stilling describes controlled reduction of motion or turbulence, such as devices that still a fluid flow or dampen vibrations in machinery. In physiology or psychology, stilling can refer to calming an agitated state or suppressing reflexive responses, especially in discussions of reflex or stress.

Etymology: from Middle English stille, from Old English stille meaning calm, quiet.

Cross-linguistic notes: in Danish and Norwegian, the cognate word stilling means a job or position, showing a different sense of the same root in other languages.

Stilling also appears as a surname in some cases, and may occur in place names in various regions.