doorstop

[dawr-stop]

noun

1. a device for holding a door open, as a wedge or small weight.

2. Also called stop. Also called slamming stile. (in a doorframe) a strip or projecting surface against which the door closes.

3. a device for preventing a door from striking a wall or an object on a wall, as a small rubber-covered projection.

doorstop

/ ˈdɔːˌstɒp /

noun

1. a heavy object, wedge, or other device which prevents an open door from moving

2. a projecting piece of rubber, etc, fixed to the floor to stop a door from striking a wall

3. informal,  a very thick book

Word History and Origins

Origin of doorstop¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; door + stop

Example Sentences

And he didn’t foreclose a future bid for governor, keeping the possibility propped open with this rhetorical doorstop: “Never say never.”

From Los Angeles Times

Additionally, while this isn’t size related, the doorstop on the floor is nearly invisible, especially at night.

From Salon

Unreadable doorstops her books may be, but they would seem to reveal something about the psychology of a significant slice of Americans.

From Salon

And those supersized water bottles people are stampeding to get their hands on are just doorstops unless you're actually drinking water.

From Salon

He armed himself with a wrench and a wooden doorstop that he fashioned into a shiv.

From Los Angeles Times