The term 'STOPS UP' can be defined by four different crossword solutions: DAMS (4 letters), CLOGS (5 letters), TAMPS (5 letters), CORKS (5 letters), and CONGESTS (8 letters). A dam is a barrier built across a river to control the flow of water. Clogs are pieces of material that block a pipe or other opening. Tamps are tools used to pack down materials such as soil or gravel. CORKS are stoppers made from the bark of a cork oak tree, used to seal bottles and jars. Finally, congests means to fill with an excessive amount of something, making it difficult to move through.