timeplug

A timeplug is a conceptual or fictional device that allows for the selective interruption or manipulation of time within a localized area or for a specific object. It does not refer to any known real-world technology. The concept often appears in science fiction, where it serves as a plot device for various narrative purposes.

The mechanism of a timeplug varies depending on the fictional context. Some portrayals suggest it creates a bubble where time either stops, slows down, or speeds up relative to the outside world. Others might describe it as a temporary pause button for a person, object, or event. The duration and extent of the temporal alteration are typically limited by the device's power source or the narrative's requirements.

The implications of a timeplug in fiction can be far-reaching. It might be used for strategic advantage in combat, for performing complex tasks in what appears to be an instant, or for observing events without detection. Conversely, its misuse could lead to paradoxes, unforeseen consequences, or ethical dilemmas for the characters. The term itself suggests a physical interface or connection that "plugs into" the flow of time.