Definition & Meaning of "end-stopping"

What is "end-stopping"?

End-stopping refers to a poetic technique where a line of verse concludes with a pause or punctuation mark, such as a period, comma, or semicolon. This creates a sense of completeness or closure at the end of the line, allowing the reader to take a brief pause before moving on to the next line. End-stopping is often used to emphasize a particular thought or idea and contributes to the overall rhythm of the poem, shaping the flow and guiding the reader's experience.