mothball: Meaning and Definition of

moth•ball

1. a small ball of naphthalene or sometimes of camphor for placing in closets or other storage areas to repel moths from clothing, blankets, etc.
1. in disuse or in storage, esp. with reference to standby equipment.
2. (of ideas) dismissed as unworthy of further deliberation.

1. to put into storage or reserve; inactivate.

1. inactive; unused; stored away: a mothball fleet.