Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1800-1900
Language: Latin
Origin: 'state in which'

status quo

 noun
     
status quo

the status quo

the state of a situation as it is
maintain/preserve/defend the status quo (=not make any changes)
Will the West use its influence to maintain the status quo and not disrupt the flow of oil?
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
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