Final answer:
An automatic stay is a legal provision that temporarily stops collection activities against a debtor when they file for bankruptcy, giving them time to reorganize or discharge debts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A automatic stay is a self-operating postponement of collection proceedings against the debtor, which goes into effect the moment the order for relief occurs. An automatic stay is designed to temporarily halt foreclosure, repossession, and other financial collection activities against a debtor who has filed for bankruptcy. This provision gives the debtor a period of relief, during which they can work with the court and creditors to reorganize or discharge their debts, depending on the type of bankruptcy filed.