Remain second best (4)

Here is my best explanation:

'remain' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'second best' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'best' becomes 'top' (associated in meaning).
's'+'top'='STOP'

Can you help me to learn more?