1. To create a delay or distraction for a length of time or in order to achieve, obtain, or accomplish something. I need to you stall for a few minutes while I get the projector set up for the presentation. The boxer tried to stall for a rest by clinching his opponent.

2. To slow, falter, or stop progressing for some length or period of time. Reports are indicating that the economy will continue to stall for the third year in a row. Development on the prototype stalled for several weeks as we tried to source the materials we needed.

3. To delay or distract someone or something with evasive or prevaricating language or behavior for a certain length of time. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "stall" and "for." I stalled the teacher for a little while so Johnny could finish writing in his answers to the quiz. Are you almost ready? I don't think I can stall the tribunal for much longer!

4. To cause something to slow, falter, or stop progressing for some length or period of time. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "stall" and "for." The intense cold has already stalled drilling in the area for two months, and there's no end to the cold snap in sight. The senator tried stalling the vote for the day in order to make some last-minute amendments to it.