stop, halt
止 centers on bringing motion to an end: stopping, halting, or ceasing. Its core idea is a clear break in movement or action.
to stop (an activity); to cease; to discontinue; to end; to quit
to stop; to turn off
to remain; to abide; to stay (in the one place)
to stop (moving); to come to a stop
prohibition; inhibition; ban
stoppage; coming to a stop; halt; standstill
interruption; discontinuance; suspension; stoppage
prevention; check
abolition; discontinuance; discontinuation; repeal; annulment
obstruction; prevention; hindrance; check; blocking; stopping
pause; suspension; rest; stoppage
to cease; to stop; to be over
stillness; rest; being stationary; standing still; coming to a standstill
to stop (doing); to cease; to desist; to drop; to lay off; to give up; to quit
keeping in check; holding back; deterrence; restraint; suppression
to catch; to stop the blow
closure (of a road); suspension of traffic
full stop; period
preventing (someone) from leaving; confinement; keeping indoors; inducement to stay
brake; drag; skid; pawl
prohibition; ban; suspension; injunction
control; check; restraint; inhibition
to check; to hold back; to keep at bay; to stop; to prevent; to stem; to curb; to halt
forbidding mentioning (something to others); imposing silence (on); ordering (someone) to keep quiet; muzzling (someone); gagging; hushing up
止 is a pictograph of a foot, with the sole and toes simplified into the modern four-stroke form. The meaning 'stop' likely developed from the foot being planted firmly.
Picture a foot planted firmly on the ground, bringing all movement to a halt. The shape 止 looks like a foot stopping in its tracks.
For シ, imagine a big red stop sign with the letter 'C' on it: 'C' sounds like シ, and the sign means stop.