Definition

To officially suspend or end a meeting, hearing, or session—the formal 'we're done here' that prevents anyone from immediately reopening discussion.

Example Usage

The board meeting was adjourned at 4:47 PM so the CEO could make their flight to the conference.

Source: Legal and parliamentary terminology

Related Terms

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floor amendment

A proposed change to legislation introduced during debate on the floor rather than in committee, often deployed as a surprise attack or last-ditch effort. It's democracy's version of editing a document while everyone's watching.

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spokesman

The designated talking head for an organization—usually carefully coached to say nothing meaningful while sounding authoritative and concerned.

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challenger

The underdog who dares to face off against the current champion or incumbent, armed with optimism, ambition, and usually less money. In politics and sports alike, challengers are the ones trying to dethrone the establishment, often by promising everything short of world peace. They're betting their reputation on the belief that people are ready for change—or at least tired of the current titleholder.

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safe harbor

A deadline after which election results become extremely difficult to challenge, providing legal protection for certified outcomes. Democracy's statute of limitations, compressed into weeks.

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rent-seeking

Using political influence to increase one's wealth without creating new value—manipulating regulations, seeking subsidies, or lobbying for favorable rules. It's capitalism's laziest form: rigging the game instead of playing it.

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whip

A legislator tasked with ensuring party members vote the party line and actually show up for important votes — essentially a political babysitter with arm-twisting privileges. The term comes from fox hunting's "whipper-in" who kept hounds from straying, which tells you everything about how party leadership views rank-and-file members. Whips count votes, apply pressure, and occasionally make or break political careers.

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