stop dead in one's tracks
idiom (1)Definition of stop dead in one's tracks
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to stop suddenly
He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the shout.
stop (dead) in one's tracks
idiom (2)Definition of stop (dead) in one's tracks (Entry 2 of 2)
: to stop suddenly
I stopped (dead) in my tracks when I saw the bear.