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stand to attention

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Definition of stand to attention

British
: to stand silently with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides
  • The troops stood to attention.

Word by Word Definitions

stand play

  1. : to support oneself on the feet in an erect position

  2. : to be a specified height when fully erect

  3. : to rise to an erect position

  1. : a halt for defense or resistance

  2. : an often defensive effort of some duration or degree of success

  3. : a stop made to give a performance

See the full definition of stand
attention play

  1. : the act or state of applying the mind to something

  2. : a condition of readiness for such attention involving especially a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity

  3. : observation, notice

See the full definition of attention

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play

to treat with excessive attention

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