diff --git a/arcade/application.py b/arcade/application.py
index a30f23ffa..65643a6d0 100644
--- a/arcade/application.py
+++ b/arcade/application.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 """
 import logging
 import os
+import sys
 import time
 from typing import Tuple, Optional
 
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@
 
 _window: 'Window'
 
+_in_debugger = sys.gettrace() is not None
 
 def get_screens():
     """
@@ -323,6 +325,10 @@ def _dispatch_updates(self, delta_time: float):
         Internal function that is scheduled with Pyglet's clock, this function gets run by the clock, and
         dispatches the on_update events.
         """
+        # Clamp delta_time in debugger, since long debugger pauses should not
+        # cause sky-high `delta_time` on the next frame.
+        if _in_debugger:
+            delta_time = min(delta_time, self._update_rate * 2.)
         self.dispatch_event('on_update', delta_time)
 
     def set_update_rate(self, rate: float):