1To stop moving; to come to a stop. An intransitive verb for vehicles, trains, machines, clocks, or people that halt their motion. The most basic, everyday sense; generally written 止まる.
急行はこの駅には止まりません。
The express doesn't stop at this station.
信号が赤に変わって、車が止まった。
The light turned red and the car stopped.
驚いて、その場で足が止まった。
Startled, I stopped in my tracks.
電池が切れて時計が止まっていた。
The battery had died and the clock had stopped.
2To cease, be suspended, or be cut off — when operations, supplies (water, power), a heartbeat, work, or talk that had been continuing comes to a halt.
台風の影響で電気が止まってしまった。
The power went out because of the typhoon.
工事のため、午前中は水が止まります。
The water will be shut off in the morning due to construction.
あまりの恐ろしさに、心臓が止まるかと思った。
It was so terrifying I thought my heart would stop.
3(Of birds or insects) to alight or perch on something. Also figurative: for one's gaze, attention, or memory to settle and stay on something (目に留まる, 心に留まる). Usually written 留まる in this sense.
スズメが一羽、電線に留まっている。
A sparrow is perched on the power line.
トンボがそっと指先に留まった。
A dragonfly gently landed on my fingertip.
店先の貼り紙がふと目に留まった。
A notice in the shop window happened to catch my eye.