stand

¹stand

verb \ˈstand\

stood \ˈstu̇d\ stand·ing

Definition of STAND

intransitive verb

1

a : to support oneself on the feet in an erect position

b : to be a specified height when fully erect <stands six feet two>

c : to rise to an erect position

2

a : to take up or maintain a specified position or posture <stand aside> <can you stand on your head>

b : to maintain one's position <stand firm>

3

: to be in a particular state or situation <stands accused>

4

: to hold a course at sea

5

obsolete : hesitate

6

a : to have or maintain a relative position in or as if in a graded scale <stands first in the class>

b : to be in a position to gain or lose because of an action taken or a commitment made <stands to make quite a profit>

7

chiefly British : to be a candidate : run

8

a : to rest or remain upright on a base or lower end <a clock stood on the mantle>

b : to occupy a place or location <the house stands on a knoll>

9

a : to remain stationary or inactive <the car stood in the garage for a week>

b : to gather slowly and remain <tears standing in her eyes>

10

: agree, accord —used chiefly in the expression it stands to reason

11

a : to exist in a definite written or printed form <copy a passage exactly as it stands>

b : to remain valid or efficacious <the order given last week still stands>

12

of a male animal : to be available as a sire —used especially of horses

13

: to refuse additional cards (as in blackjack)

transitive verb

1

a : to endure or undergo successfully <this book will stand the test of time>

b : to tolerate without flinching : bear courageously <stands pain well>

c : to endure the presence or personality of <can't stand the boss>

d : to derive benefit or enjoyment from <you look like you could stand a drink>

2

: to remain firm in the face of <stand a siege>

3

: to submit to <stand trial>

4

a : to perform the duty of <stand guard>

b : to participate in (a military formation)

5

: to pay the cost of (a treat) : pay for <I'll stand you a dinner> <stand drinks>

6

: to cause to stand : set upright

7

: to make available for breeding <stand a stallion>

— stand·er noun

— stand a chance

: to have a chance

— stand for

1

: to be a symbol for : represent

2

: to put up with : permit

— stand on

1

: to depend on

2

: to insist on <never stands on ceremony>

— stand one's ground

: to maintain one's position

— stand on one's own feet

: to think or act independently

— stand tall

: to exhibit courage, strength, or calm especially in the face of adversity

— stand treat

: to pay the cost of food, drink, or entertainment for others in a group

Examples of STAND

1. She was standing near the window.
2. He was standing next to me.
3. All of the seats on the bus were taken so we had to stand.
4. He can stand using a cane.
5. He was standing in a puddle of water.
6. The deer stood still, listening for danger.
7. We had to stand in line for over an hour.
8. Two bowling pins were left standing.
9. A shovel and rake stood in the corner.
10. She stood the ladder against the house.

Origin of STAND

Middle English, from Old English standan; akin to Old High German stantan, stān to stand, Latin stare, Greek histanai to cause to stand, set, histasthai to stand, be standing

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to STAND

Synonyms

be, bear, lie, sit

Antonyms

repudiate

Related Words

command, overlook; hang around, remain, rest, stay, stick around, tarry; await, wait; post, station; dwell, reside

Near Antonyms

decline, dismiss, refuse, reject, repudiate, spurn, turn down; combat, contest, fight, oppose, resist; avoid, bypass, circumvent, dodge, elude, escape, evade, miss; abstain (from), forbear, refrain (from)

See Synonym Discussion at bear

Rhymes with STAND

band, bland, brand, canned, gland, grand, hand, land, manned, NAND, rand, sand, Sand, strand

²stand

noun

Definition of STAND

1

a : a halt for defense or resistance

b : an often defensive effort of some duration or degree of success <a goal-line stand>

c (1) : a stop made to give a performance <a 6-game stand at home> (2) : a town where such a stop is made

2

: an act of stopping or staying in one place

3

a : a place or post where one stands

b : a strongly or aggressively held position especially on a debatable issue <took a stand against higher taxes>

4

a : the place taken by a witness for testifying in court

b plural (1) : a section of the tiered seats for spectators of a sport or spectacle (2) : the occupants of such seats

c : a raised platform (as for a speaker or hunter) serving as a point of vantage

5

a : a small often open-air structure for a small retail business <a vegetable stand> <a hot dog stand>

b : a site fit for business opportunity

6

: a place where a passenger vehicle stops or parks <a taxi stand>

7

: hive 2

8

: a frame on or in which something may be placed for support

9

: a group of plants growing in a continuous area

10

: a standing posture

Examples of STAND

1. The team insured their victory with an impressive goal-line stand.
2. The army is preparing to make a stand against the enemy.
3. students making a stand against the war
4. We have display stands in many bookstores.

First Known Use of STAND

1590

Related to STAND

Synonyms

dais, podium, rostrum, stage, platform, tribune

Related Words

altar, bimah (also bima), footpace, pulpit; riser, scaffold; balcony, gallery