Which word can be described as a formal or legal suspension of an action?

The term "moratorium" refers to an official authorization to temporarily suspend an activity or legal obligation. It is often used in legal and financial contexts where a pause or delay is necessary, allowing parties involved to reassess a situation, negotiate terms, or fulfill other requirements without the pressure of immediate action. This suspension can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, such as halting debt payments, pausing certain operations, or delaying a planned action until further notice or decision can be made.

In contrast, the other terms do not convey this meaning. A debate involves a discussion or argument on a particular topic, clarification refers to making something clearer or easier to understand, and integration pertains to the process of combining parts into a whole. None of these options imply a formal or legal suspension of action, which is the essential characteristic of a moratorium.