mothball UK /ˈmɒθbɔːl/US /ˈmɔθˌbɔl/verb 3noun 1forms 3 verb3 •To store (clothing, etc.) with mothballs. •(figurative) To stop using (something), and often to put it in storage; specifically, while keeping it in good condition so it can be used in the future.They mothballed the old version after the new one came out. •(figurative) To stop work on (a plan, project, etc.) for the time being; to postpone, to shelve.The fact that the START Treaty has just been signed is reason enough not to build one rail garrison train before mothballing the project. — 1991 noun[in the plural]1 •A small ball of chemical pesticide (originally camphor and now typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) and deodorant placed in or around clothing and other articles to deter moth larvae which may damage them.There were two carloads of equipments. Upon their return to the armory the blankets were shook and repacked with mothballs; […] — 1904 formsmothballed · mothballing · mothballs
