RED LIGHT Definition & Meaning

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red light

noun

a red lamp, used as a traffic signal to mean “stop.”
an order or directive to halt an action, project, etc.:
There's a red light on all unnecessary expenses.
a children's running game in which players must stop when “Red light!” is called.
a signal of danger; warning.

red-light

[ red-lahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

red-lighted, red-lighting.

Informal. to stop or deter by means of or as if with a red light.

red light

noun

a signal to stop, esp a red traffic signal in a system of traffic lights
a danger signal
an instruction to stop or discontinue
1. a red lamp in a window of or outside a house indicating that it is a brothel
2. ( as modifier )
  a red-light district

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of red light¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Origin of red light²

First recorded in 1895–1900

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"In our operations centre you would seen all the red lights go, that the systems were powering down," he said.

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The catch is that whenever someone enters, red lights blink on and off at their partners’ villa to alert them that someone is sticking a few appendages where they shouldn't be.

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Other wellness businesses include acupuncture, yoga, red light therapy to reduce pain and inflammation, and IV drips for hydration that include vitamins and minerals also known to ease hangovers.

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This filters out the blue visible light but allows the longer wavelengths of red light through - this is the same phenomena that gives an orange sunset.

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“A group of sweet seniors shyly asked Costner to pose for a picture with them as he waited at a red light, tapping his cowboy boot in irritation.”

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