To be in a vertical state or to put into a vertical state, especially (of a person or animal) by making the legs straight
Julie stood under the tree.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
verb (stands, standing, stood /, has stood)
1 to be on your feet:
She was standing by the door.
Stand still while I take your photograph.
2 (also stand up) to get up on your feet:
The teacher asked us all to stand up.
3 to be in a place:
The castle stands on a hill.
4 to put something somewhere:
I stood the ladder against the wall.
can't stand somebody or something to hate somebody or something:
I can't stand this music.
stand by
1 to watch but not do anything:
How can you stand by while those boys kick the cat?
2 to be ready to do something:
Stand by until I call you!
stand by somebody to help somebody when they need it:
Julie's parents stood by her when she was in trouble.
stand for something to be a short way of saying or writing something:
USA stands for 'the United States of America'.
stand out to be easy to see:
Joe stands out in a crowd because of his red hair.
stand up for somebody or something to say that somebody or something is right; to support somebody or something:
Everyone else said I was wrong, but my sister stood up for me.
stand up to somebody to argue or fight with a more powerful person who is attacking you
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
stand
I. stand1 S1 W1 /stænd/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle stood /stʊd/)
[Word Family: adjective: ↑standing, ↑outstanding, ↑upstanding; noun: ↑stand, ↑standing; verb: ↑stand; adverb: ↑outstandingly]
[Language: Old English; Origin: standan]
1. BE ON FEET (also be standing up) [intransitive] to support yourself on your feet or be in an upright position:
It looks like we’ll have to stand – there are no seats left.
She stood in the doorway.
Stand still (=do not move) and listen to me.
Don’t just stand there (=stand and not do anything) – help me!
stand on tiptoe/stand on your toes (=support yourself on your toes)
If he stood on tiptoe, he could reach the shelf.
stand (somewhere) doing something
They just stood there laughing.
We stood watching the rain fall.
2. RISE (also stand up) [intransitive] to rise to an upright position:
Smiling, she stood and closed the blinds.
3. STEP [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
a) to step a short distance
stand back/aside
She stood back to let him in.
stand clear of something British English (=step away from something in order to be safe)
Stand clear of the doors, please.
b) British English to accidentally step on or in something
stand on/in
Don’t stand in that puddle!
4. IN A PARTICULAR POSITION [intransitive, transitive usually + adverb/preposition] to be upright in a particular position, or to put something or someone somewhere in an upright position:
A lamp stood on the table.
Near the railway station stood a hotel.
Some remains of the original house still stand.
stand something on/in etc something
Can you stand that pole in the corner for now?
I closed the lid and stood the case against the wall.
stand somebody (up) on something
Stand Molly up on a chair so she can see.
5. IN A STATE/CONDITION [linking verb] to be or stay in a particular state or condition:
The kitchen door stood open so she went in.
stand empty/idle (=not being used)
scores of derelict houses standing empty
I’m not too thrilled with the way things stand (=the state that the situation is in) at the moment.
The evidence, as it stands (=as it is now), cannot be conclusive.
where/how do things stand? (=used to ask what is happening in a situation)
Where do things stand in terms of the budget?
I will know within the next month or two how I stand (=what my situation is).
stand united/divided (=agree or disagree completely)
He urged the whole community to stand united and to reject terrorism.
stand prepared/ready to do something (=be prepared to do something whenever it is necessary)
We should stand ready to do what is necessary to guarantee the peace.
countries that have stood together (=stayed united) in times of crisis
stand in awe of somebody (=admire them, be afraid of them, or both)
6. NOT LIKE can’t stand spoken used to say that you do not like someone or something at all, or that you think that something is extremely unpleasant SYN can’t bear:
I can’t stand bad manners.
I know he can’t stand the sight of me.
can’t stand (somebody/something) doing something
Lily can’t stand working in an office.
I can’t stand people smoking around me when I’m eating.
can’t stand to do something
She can’t stand to hear them arguing.
7. ACCEPT A SITUATION [transitive usually in questions and negatives] to be able to accept or deal well with a difficult situation SYN tolerate
can/could stand something
I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving Danielle.
I’ve had about as much as I can stand of your arguing!
I don’t know if I can stand the waiting any longer.
can stand somebody doing something
How can you stand Marty coming home late all the time?
She’s a strong woman who stands no nonsense from anyone.
8. BE GOOD ENOUGH [transitive] to be good or strong enough to last a long time or to experience a particular situation without being harmed, damaged etc:
Linen can stand very high temperatures.
His poetry will stand the test of time (=stay popular).
9. stand to do something to be likely to do or have something
stand to gain/lose/win/make
What do firms think they stand to gain by merging?
After the oil spill, thousands of fishermen stand to lose their livelihoods.
10. NOT MOVE [intransitive] to stay in a particular place without moving ⇨ standstill:
The car’s been standing in the garage for weeks.
The mixture was left to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
The train was already standing at the platform.
11. HEIGHT [linking verb] formal to be a particular height:
The trophy stands five feet high.
John stood six feet tall.
12. LEVEL/AMOUNT [linking verb] to be at a particular level or amount
stand at
His former workforce of 1,300 now stands at 220.
Illiteracy rates are still thought to stand above 50 percent.
13. RANK/POSITION [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to have a particular rank or position when compared with similar things or people SYN rank:
The president stands high in the public opinion polls.
How do their sales stand in relation to those of similar firms?
His book could stand alongside the best.
14. ELECTION [intransitive] British English to try to become elected to a council, parliament etc SYN run American English
stand for
She announced her intention to stand for parliament.
15. DECISION/OFFER [intransitive not in progressive] if a decision, offer etc stands, it continues to exist, be correct, or be ↑valid:
Despite protests, the official decision stood.
My offer of help still stands.
16. if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen used to tell someone that they should leave a job or situation if they cannot deal with its difficulties
17. somebody/something could stand something used to say very directly that it would be a good idea for someone to do something or for something to happen:
His smile exposed teeth that could stand a good scrubbing.
somebody could stand to do something
My doctor told me I could stand to lose a few pounds.
18. I stand corrected spoken formal used to admit that your opinion or something that you just said was wrong
19. where somebody stands someone’s opinion about something
where somebody stands on
We still do not know where he stands on the matter.
You must decide where you stand.
20. from where I stand spoken according to what I know or feel:
I knew from where I stood that the stocks were practically worthless.
21. know where you stand (with somebody) to know how someone feels about you, or what you are allowed to do in a particular situation:
At least we know where we stand with Steven now.
I’d like to know where I stand.
It helps to know where you stand legally.
22. stand to attention British English, stand at attention American English if soldiers stand to attention, they stand very straight and stiff to show respect
23. stand on your head/hands to support yourself on your head or hands, with your feet in the air
24. stand in line American English to wait in a line of people until it is your turn to do something SYN queue British English:
Customers stood in line for 20 minutes at the cash register.
25. stand firm/stand fast
a) to refuse to be forced to move backwards:
She stood firm, blocking the entrance.
b) to refuse to change your opinions, intentions, or behaviour:
The government continued to stand firm and no concessions were made.
stand firm/stand fast on/against
He stands firm on his convictions.
26. stand pat American English to refuse to change a decision, plan etc
stand pat on
Harry’s standing pat on his decision to fire Janice.
27. stand alone
a) to continue to do something alone, without help from anyone else:
Some of the Pacific islands are too small to stand alone as independent states.
b) to be much better than anything or anyone else:
For sheer entertainment value, Kelly stood alone.
28. stand still to not change or progress at all, even though time has passed:
No industry can stand still.
Time seems to have stood still in this lovely hotel.
29. stand a chance/hope (of doing something) to be likely to be able to do something or to succeed:
You’ll stand a better chance of getting a job with a degree.
Maybe their relationship had never really stood a chance.
30. stand in sb’s way (also stand in the way) to prevent someone from doing something:
I always encouraged Brian. I didn’t want to stand in his way.
You can’t stand in the way of progress!
31. stand on your own (two) feet to be able to do what you need to do, earn your own money, etc without help from others:
She’s never learned to stand on her own feet.
32. it stands to reason (that) used to say that something should be completely clear to anyone who is sensible:
It stands to reason that you cannot find the right person to do a job unless you know exactly what that job is.
33. stand or fall by/on something to depend on something for success:
The case against him will stand or fall on its own merits.
34. LIQUID [intransitive] a liquid that stands does not flow or is not made to move:
standing pools of marsh water
35. stand guard (over somebody/something) to watch someone or something so that they do not do anything wrong or so that nothing bad happens to them:
Soldiers stand guard on street corners.
You must stand guard over him at all times.
36. stand bail British English to promise to pay money if someone does not return to a court of law to be judged
37. stand trial to be brought to a court of law to have your case examined and judged
stand trial for/on
Gresham will stand trial for murder.
The accused was ordered to stand trial on a number of charges.
38. stand accused (of something)
a) to be the person in a court of law who is being judged for a crime:
The former president stands accused of lying to the nation’s parliament.
b) if you stand accused of doing something bad or wrong, other people say that you have done it:
The radio station stands accused of racism.
39. stand tall
a) to stand with your back straight and your head raised:
Stand tall with your feet comfortably apart.
b) American English to be proud and feel ready to deal with anything:
We will stand tall and fight for issues of concern to our community.
40. somebody can do something standing on their head informal used to say that someone is able to do something easily:
This is basic stuff. I can do it standing on my head.
41. be stood on its head if something is stood on its head, it becomes the opposite of what it was before:
One area of the business which has been stood on its head is internal communications.
42. not stand on ceremony British English to not worry about the formal rules of polite behaviour:
Come on, Mal. Don’t stand on ceremony here at home.
43. stand somebody a drink/meal etc British English to pay for something as a gift to someone:
Come on, Jack. I’ll stand you a drink if you like.
⇨ make sb’s hair stand on end at ↑hair(8), ⇨ leave somebody/something standing at ↑leave1(15), ⇨ not have a leg to stand on at ↑leg1(7), ⇨ stand/serve/hold somebody in good stead at ↑stead(2), ⇨ stand your ground at ↑ground1(7)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ stand to be on your feet in an upright position: There were no seats, so we had to stand. | When we entered, Stephen was standing by his desk.
▪ be on your feet to be standing, especially for a long time: If you have young kids, you’re on your feet all day. | I’d been on my feet since 7 o'clock and I needed to sit down. | The crowd were all on their feet clapping and calling for more.
▪ get up to stand after you have been sitting or lying down: He got up and turned off the TV. | Mum fell in her flat and was unable to get up.
▪ stand up to stand after you have been sitting, or to be in a standing position: I stood up when she came in and shook her hand. | It’s generally better to do this exercise standing up.
▪ get to your feet written to stand up, especially slowly or when it is difficult for you: My attorney got slowly to his feet, breathing heavily.
▪ rise formal to stand after you have been sitting, especially at a formal event: As the bride entered the cathedral, the congregation rose. | Audience members rose to their feet, cheering and clapping.
stand against somebody/something phrasal verb
to oppose a person, organization, plan, decision etc:
She hadn’t the strength to stand against her aunt’s demands.
There are only a hundred of them standing against an army of 42,000 troops.
stand around phrasal verb
to stand somewhere and not do anything:
We stood around saying goodbye for a while.
stand by phrasal verb
1. to not do anything to help someone or prevent something from happening ⇨ bystander:
I’m not going to stand by and see her hurt.
2. stand by something to keep a promise, agreement etc, or to say that something is still true:
I stand by what I said earlier.
He stood by his convictions.
3. stand by somebody to stay loyal to someone and support them, especially in a difficult situation:
His wife stood by him during his years in prison.
4. to be ready to do something if necessary ⇨ standby:
Rescue crews were standing by in case of a breakdown.
stand by for
Stand by for our Christmas competition.
stand by to do something
Police stood by to arrest any violent fans.
stand down phrasal verb British English
1. to agree to leave your position or to stop trying to be elected, so that someone else can have a chance SYN step down American English
stand down as
He was obliged to stand down as a parliamentary candidate.
2. to leave the ↑witness box in a court of law
3. stand (somebody) down if a soldier stands down or is stood down, he stops working for the day
stand for something phrasal verb
1. if a letter or symbol stands for something, it represents a word or idea, especially as a short form:
What does ATM stand for?
2. to support a particular set of ideas, values, or principles:
It’s hard to tell what the party stands for these days.
3. not stand for something British English to not allow something to continue to happen or someone to do something:
She’s been lying about me, and I won’t stand for it.
stand in phrasal verb
to temporarily do someone else’s job or take their place ⇨ stand-in
stand in for
Would you mind standing in for me for a while?
stand out phrasal verb
1. to be very easy to see or notice:
The outlines of rooftops and chimneys stood out against the pale sky.
She always stood out in a crowd.
I am sure illnesses stand out in all childhood memories.
2. to be much better than other similar people or things ⇨ standout
stand out as
That day still stands out as the greatest day in my life.
stand out from/among/above
Three of the cars we tested stood out among the rest.
3. to rise up from a surface:
The veins stood out on his throat and temples.
stand out against something phrasal verb British English
to be strongly opposed to an idea, plan etc:
We must stand out against bigotry.
stand over somebody phrasal verb
to stand very close behind someone and watch as they work to make sure they do nothing wrong:
I can’t concentrate with him standing over me like that.
stand to phrasal verb British English
to order a soldier to move into a position so that they are ready for action, or to move into this position
stand somebody to
The men have been stood to.
stand up phrasal verb
1. to be on your feet, or to rise to your feet ⇨ stand-up:
I’ve been standing up all day.
Stand up straight and don’t slouch!
Jim stood up stiffly.
2. [always + adverb/preposition] to stay healthy or in good condition in a difficult environment or after a lot of hard use
stand up to
Most of the plants stood up well to the heat.
3. to be proved to be true, correct, useful etc when tested
stand up to/under
The memoirs stand up well to cross-checking with other records.
Without a witness, the charges will never stand up in court (=be successfully proved in a court of law).
4. stand somebody up informal to not meet someone who you have arranged to meet:
I was supposed to go to a concert with Kyle on Friday, but he stood me up.
5. stand up and be counted to make it very clear what you think about something when this is dangerous or might cause trouble for you
stand up for somebody/something phrasal verb
to support or defend a person or idea when they are being attacked:
It’s time we stood up for our rights.
Silvia is capable of standing up for herself.
stand up to somebody/something phrasal verb
to refuse to accept unfair treatment from a person or organization:
He’ll respect you more if you stand up to him.
Cliff couldn’t stand up to bullying.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
stand
stand [stand stands stood standing] verb, noun [stænd] [stænd]
verb (stood, stood [stʊd] ; [stʊd] )
ON FEET/BE VERTICAL
1. intransitive to be on your feet; to be in a vertical position
• She was too weak to stand.
• a bird standing on one leg
• Don't just stand there — do something!
• I was standing only a few feet away.
• We all stood around in the corridor waiting.
• to stand on your head/hands (= to be upside down, balancing on your head/hands)
• After the earthquake, only a few houses were left standing.
• + adj. Stand still while I take your photo.
2. intransitive to get up onto your feet from another position
• Everyone stood when the President came in.
• ~ up We stood up in order to get a better view.
PUT UPRIGHT
3. transitive ~ sth/sb + adv./prep. to put sth/sb in a vertical position somewhere
• Stand the ladder up against the wall.
• I stood the little girl on a chair so that she could see.
BE IN PLACE/CONDITION
4. intransitive + adv./prep. to be in a particular place
• The castle stands on the site of an ancient battlefield.
• An old oak tree once stood here.
5. intransitive (+ adj.) to be in a particular condition or situation
• The house stood empty for a long time.
• ‘You're wrong about the date— it was 1988.’ ‘ I stand corrected (= accept that I was wrong).’
• You never know where you stand with her— one minute she's friendly, the next she'll hardly speak to you.
• As things stand, there is little chance of a quick settlement of the dispute.
BE AT HEIGHT/LEVEL
6. intransitive + noun (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a particular height
• The tower stands 30 metres high.
7. intransitive ~ at sth to be at a particular level, amount, height, etc
• Interest rates stand at 3%.
• The world record then stood at 6.59 metres.
OF CAR/TRAIN, ETC.
8. intransitive + adv./prep. to be in a particular place, especially while waiting to go somewhere
• The train standing at platform 3 is for London, Victoria.
OF LIQUID/MIXTURE
9. intransitive to remain still, without moving or being moved
• Mix the batter and let it stand for twenty minutes.
• standing pools of rainwater
OFFER/DECISION
10. intransitive if an offer, a decision, etc. made earlier stands, it is still valid
• My offer still stands.
• The world record stood for 20 years.
BE LIKELY TO DO STH
11. intransitive ~ to do sth to be in a situation where you are likely to do sth
• You stand to make a lot from this deal.
HAVE OPINION
12. intransitive ~ (on sth) to have a particular attitude or opinion about sth or towards sb
• Where do you stand on private education?
DISLIKE
13. transitive, no passive (not used in the progressive tenses) used especially in negative sentences and questions to emphasize that you do not like sb/sth
Syn: bear
• ~ sb/sth I can't stand his brother.
• I can't stand the sight of blood.
• I can't stand it when you do that.
• ~ doing sth She couldn't stand being kept waiting.
• ~ sb/sth doing sth I can't stand people interrupting all the time.
• How do you stand him being here all the time?
SURVIVE TREATMENT
14. transitive ~ sth used especially with can/could to say that sb/sth can survive sth or can tolerate sth without being hurt or damaged
• His heart won't stand the strain much longer.
• Modern plastics can stand very high and very low temperatures.
BUY DRINK/MEAL
15. transitive, no passive to buy a drink or meal for sb
• ~ sth He stood drinks all round.
• ~ sb sth She was kind enough to stand us a meal.
IN ELECTION
16. (especially BrE) (NAmE usually run) intransitive ~ (for/as sth) to be a candidate in an election
• He stood for parliament (= tried to get elected as an MP).
• She stood unsuccessfully as a candidate in the local elections.
Rem: Idioms containing stand are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example stand on ceremony is at ceremony.
Word Origin:
Old English standan (verb), stand (noun), of Germanic origin, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin stare and Greek histanai, also by the noun stead.
Thesaurus:
stand verb
1. I
• She was too weak to stand.
stand up • • get up • • be on your feet • • pick yourself up • |written get to your feet • |formal rise •
Opp: sit, Opp: sit down
Stand, stand up or get up? Stand can mean both ‘to be in’ or ‘to get into a standing position’. Get up is the most frequent way of saying ‘get into a standing position’, and this can be from a sitting, kneeling or lying position. Stand up is used especially to tell sb or a group of people to do this.
2. T, no passive (not used in the progressive tenses; used with can/could in negative sentences and questions)
• She couldn't stand being kept waiting.
bear • • take • |especially written tolerate • |especially spoken put up with sb/sth • |formal endure •
(can't/not) stand/bear/endure doing sth
(can't/not) stand/bear/put up with sb/sth doing sth
stand/bear/put up with/endure pain
not stand/take/tolerate any nonsense
Stand or bear? Bear is slightly stronger and more formal than stand. Stand is used with can/could in negative statements and questions, but not in positive statements:
• She bore it with her usual patience.
¤ She stood it with her usual patience.
3. can't stand T, no passive (not used in the progressive tenses) (especially spoken)
• I can't stand his wife.
can't bear • • hate • • loathe • • detest • |formal abhor •
I can't stand/can't bear/hate/loathe/detest doing sth
I can't stand/can't bear/hate it when…
I really can't stand/can't bear/hate/detest sb/sth
4. T (not used in the progressive tenses; used especially with can/could)
• His heart can't stand the strain.
tolerate • • resist • • stand up to sth • |formal withstand •
stand/tolerate/resist/withstand high temperatures/heat
stand/tolerate/withstand (harsh, dry, etc.) conditions
stand/withstand pressure/strain/weight
Synonyms:
hate
dislike • can't stand • despise • can't bear • loathe • detest
These words all mean to have a strong feeling of dislike for sb/sth.
hate • to have a strong feeling of dislike for sb/sth. Although hate is generally a very strong verb, it is also commonly used in spoken or informal English to talk about people or things that you dislike in a less important way, for example a particular type of food: ▪ He hates violence in any form. ◊ ▪ I've always hated cabbage.
dislike • (rather formal) to not like sb/sth. Dislike is a rather formal word; it is less formal, and more usual, to say that you don't like sb/sth, especially in spoken English: ▪ I don't like it when you phone me so late at night.
can't stand • (rather informal) used to emphasize that you really do not like sb/sth: ▪ I can't stand his brother. ◊ ▪ She couldn't stand being kept waiting.
despise • to dislike and have no respect for sb/sth: ▪ He despised himself for being so cowardly.
can't bear • used to say that you dislike sth so much that you cannot accept or deal with it: ▪ I can't bear having cats in the house.
can't stand or can't bear?
In many cases you can use either word, but can't bear is slightly stronger and slightly more formal than can't stand.
loathe • to hate sb/sth very much: ▪ They loathe each other.
Loathe is generally an even stronger verb than hate, but it can also be used more informally to talk about less important things, meaning ‘really don't like’: ▪ Whether you ▪ love or loathe ▪ their music, you can't deny their talent.
detest • (rather formal) to hate sb/sth very much: ▪ They absolutely detest each other.
I hate/dislike/can't stand/can't bear/loathe/detest doing sth.
I hate/can't bear to do sth.
I hate/dislike/can't stand/can't bear it when…
I really hate/dislike/can't stand/despise/can't bear/detest sb/sth
I absolutely hate/can't stand/loathe/detest sb/sth
Synonyms:
stand
get up • stand up • rise • get to your feet • be on your feet
These words all mean to be in an upright position with your weight on your feet, or to put yourself in this position.
stand • to be in an upright position with your weight on your feet: ▪ She was too weak to stand. ◊ ▪ Stand still ▪ when I'm talking to you!
Stand is usually used with an adverb or prepositional phrase to show where or how sb stands, but sometimes another phrase or clause is used to show what sb does while they are standing: ▪ We stood talking for a few minutes. ◊ ▪ He stood and looked out to sea.
get up • to get into a standing position from a sitting, kneeling or lying position: ▪ Please don't get up!
stand up • to be in a standing position; to stand after sitting: ▪ Stand up straight! ◊ ▪ Everyone would stand up when the teacher entered the classroom.
stand, get up or stand up?
Stand usually means ‘to be in a standing position’ but can also mean ‘to get into a standing position’. Stand up can be used with either of these meanings, but its use is more restricted: it is used especially when sb tells sb or a group of people to stand. Get up is the most frequent way of saying ‘get into a standing position’, and this can be from a sitting, kneeling or lying position; if you stand up, this is nearly always after sitting, especially on a chair. If you want to tell sb politely that they do not need to move from their chair, use get up: Please don't stand up!
rise • (formal) to get into a standing position from a sitting, kneeling or lying position: ▪ Would you all rise, please, to welcome our visiting speaker.
get to your feet • to stand up after sitting, kneeling or lying: ▪ I helped her to get to her feet.
be on your feet • to be standing up: ▪ I've been on my feet all day.
Example Bank:
• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.
• Don't just stand there— do something.
• He felt so weak he could hardly stand.
• He is standing for Oxford East in the election.
• He stood awkwardly in the doorway, not sure what to say.
• Her parents stood proudly at her side.
• I can't stand that man!
• I don't know how you can stand the heat.
• I stood there staring at him.
• I tried to stand up and found myself in agony.
• She stood on tiptoe to reach the shelf.
• She stood rooted to the spot, too afraid to move or speak.
• She stood unsuccessfully as a candidate in the local elections.
• Stand still while I take your photo.
• Surely the world cannot stand idly by and let this country go through the agony of war yet again?
• The roof was so low I could not stand upright.
• Two candidates will be standing against her.
• You'll look taller if you stand up straight.
• Books stood in piles in the corner.
• Everyone stood when the president entered the room.
• He could stand the pain no more.
• He stood and looked out to sea.
• He was standing on a chair, trying to change a light bulb.
• His heart won't stand the strain much longer.
• How can you stand it here?
• How could she have stood such treatment for so long?
• I can't stand his brother.
• I can't stand it when you do that.
• I can't stand people interrupting all the time!
• I can't stand the sight of blood.
• I'm not sure if the bookcase can stand any more weight.
• She couldn't stand being kept waiting.
• She stood by the window, gazing out.
• Stand still when I'm talking to you!
• The kids were standing around chatting.
• There were several people standing at the counter.
• We stood talking for a few minutes.
Derived: stand aside ▪ stand back ▪ stand between somebody and something ▪ stand by ▪ stand by somebody ▪ stand by something ▪ stand down ▪ stand for something ▪ stand in ▪ stand out ▪ stand over somebody ▪ stand somebody up ▪ stand up ▪ stand up for somebody ▪ stand up to somebody ▪ stand up to something
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
stand / stænd / verb [ I or T ] ( stood , stood ) (VERTICAL)
stand
A2 to be in a vertical state or to put into a vertical state, especially (of a person or animal) by making the legs straight:
Granny says if she stands (up) for a long time her ankles hurt.
As a sign of politeness you should stand (up) when she comes in.
Stand still and be quiet!
After the earthquake not a single building was left standing in the village.
Stand the bottles on the table over there.
stand / stænd / verb ( stood , stood ) (STATE)
C1 [ I , L only + adj ] to be in, cause to be in, or get into a particular state or situation:
How do you think your chances stand (= are) of being offered the job?
The national debt stands at 55 billion dollars.
The house stood empty for years.
Martina is currently standing second in the world listings.
[ + to infinitive ] Our firm stands to lose (= will lose) a lot of money if the deal is unsuccessful.
We really can't allow the current situation to stand (= to exist in its current form) .
Newton's laws of mechanics stood (= were thought to be completely true) for over two hundred years.
Leave the mixture to stand (= do not touch it) for 15 minutes before use.
It would be difficult for her to stand much lower/higher in my opinion (= for me to have a worse/better opinion of her) after the way she behaved at the party.
She's very blunt, but at least you know where you stand with her (= you know what she thinks and how she is likely to behave) .
formal You stand accused of murder, how do you plead?
stand trial C2 to be put on trial in a law court:
Two other men are to stand trial next month for their part in the bombing.
stand / stænd / verb ( stood , stood ) (PLACE)
B2 [ I or T , usually + adv/prep ] to be in, cause to be in, or put into a particular place:
The room was empty except for a wardrobe standing in one corner.
Stand the paintings against the wall while we decide where to hang them.
The photograph shows the happy couple standing beside a banana tree.
[ I usually + adv/prep ] Vehicles that are standing are waiting:
The train now standing at platform 8 is the 15.17 for Cardiff.
stand / stænd / verb [ T usually in negatives ] ( stood , stood ) (ACCEPT)
B1 to successfully accept or bear something that is unpleasant or difficult:
I can't stand her voice.
Our tent won't stand another storm like the last one.
[ + -ing verb ] I can't stand hear ing her cry.
stand / stænd / verb [ I ] ( stood , stood ) UK ( mainly US run ) (POLITICS)
C2 to compete, especially in an election, for an official position:
The president has announced she does not intend to stand for re-election.
stand / stænd / verb ( stood , stood )
stand a chance C2 to have a chance of success:
She stands a good chance of passing her exam if she works hard.
stand / stænd / verb [ L only + noun ] ( stood , stood ) (HEIGHT)
to be a stated height:
Even without his shoes he stood over two metres tall.
stand / stænd / verb [ T + two objects ] ( stood , stood ) (BUY)
to buy something, especially a meal or a drink, for someone:
I couldn't get to the bank, so could you stand me lunch?
stand / stænd / verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] ( stood , stood ) (OPINION)
C2 to have as an opinion:
How/Where does he stand on foreign policy issues?
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
stand
/stænd/
(stands, standing, stood)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
When you are standing, your body is upright, your legs are straight, and your weight is supported by your feet.
She was standing beside my bed staring down at me...
They told me to stand still and not to turn round...
Overcrowding is so bad that prisoners have to sleep in shifts, while others have to stand.
VERB: V prep, V adj, V
•
Stand up means the same as stand.
We waited, standing up, for an hour.
PHRASAL VERB: V P
2.
When someone who is sitting stands, they change their position so that they are upright and on their feet.
Becker stood and shook hands with Ben.
VERB: V
•
Stand up means the same as stand.
When I walked in, they all stood up and started clapping.
PHRASAL VERB: V P
3.
If you stand aside or stand back, you move a short distance sideways or backwards, so that you are standing in a different place.
I stood aside to let her pass me...
The policemen stood back. Could it be a bomb?
VERB: V adv/prep, V adv/prep
4.
If something such as a building or a piece of furniture stands somewhere, it is in that position, and is upright. (WRITTEN)
The house stands alone on top of a small hill...
VERB: V prep/adv
5.
You can say that a building is standing when it remains after other buildings around it have fallen down or been destroyed.
There are very few buildings left standing.
VERB: V
6.
If you stand something somewhere, you put it there in an upright position.
Stand the plant in the open in a sunny, sheltered place.
= place
VERB: V n prep/adv
7.
If you leave food or a mixture of something to stand, you leave it without disturbing it for some time.
The salad improves if made in advance and left to stand.
VERB: V
8.
If you take or make a stand, you do something or say something in order to make it clear what your attitude to a particular thing is.
He felt the need to make a stand against racism in South Africa...
They must take a stand and cast their votes...
N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N against/on n
9.
If you ask someone where or how they stand on a particular issue, you are asking them what their attitude or view is.
The amendment will force senators to show where they stand on the issue of sexual harassment...
So far, the bishop hasn’t said where he stands.
VERB: where V on n, where V
10.
If you do not know where you stand with someone, you do not know exactly what their attitude to you is.
No-one knows where they stand with him; he is utterly unpredictable...
VERB: where V with n
11.
You can use stand instead of ‘be’ when you are describing the present state or condition of something or someone.
The alliance stands ready to do what is necessary...
The peace plan as it stands violates basic human rights.
V-LINK: V adj, V
12.
If a decision, law, or offer stands, it still exists and has not been changed or cancelled.
Although exceptions could be made, the rule still stands...
VERB: V
13.
If something that can be measured stands at a particular level, it is at that level.
The inflation rate now stands at 3.6 per cent...
VERB: V at amount
14.
You can describe how tall or high someone or something is by saying that they stand a particular height.
She stood five feet five inches tall and weighed 120 pounds...
She stood tall and aloof.
VERB: V amount adj, V adj
15.
If something can stand a situation or a test, it is good enough or strong enough to experience it without being damaged, harmed, or shown to be inadequate.
These are the first machines that can stand the wear and tear of continuously crushing glass...
VERB: V n
16.
If you cannot stand something, you cannot bear it or tolerate it.
I can’t stand any more. I’m going to run away...
How does he stand the pain?
VERB: V n/-ing, V n/-ing
17.
If you cannot stand someone or something, you dislike them very strongly. (INFORMAL)
He can’t stand me smoking.
= bear
VERB: V n/-ing
18.
If you stand to gain something, you are likely to gain it. If you stand to lose something, you are likely to lose it.
The management group would stand to gain millions of dollars if the company were sold...
VERB: V to-inf
19.
If you stand in an election, you are a candidate in it. (BRIT; in AM, use run)
He has not yet announced whether he will stand in the election...
VERB: V in n
20.
A stand is a small shop or stall, outdoors or in a large public building.
She bought a hot dog from a stand on a street corner.
= stall
N-COUNT: oft n N
see also newsstand
21.
A stand at a sports ground is a large structure where people sit or stand to watch what is happening. (BRIT)
N-COUNT
•
In American English, stands is used with same meaning.
The people in the stands at Candlestick Park are standing and cheering with all their might.
N-PLURAL
22.
A stand is an object or piece of furniture that is designed for supporting or holding a particular kind of thing.
The teapot came with a stand to catch the drips.
N-COUNT
23.
A stand is an area where taxis or buses can wait to pick up passengers.
Luckily there was a taxi stand nearby.
N-COUNT: usu n N
24.
In a law court, the stand is the place where a witness stands to answer questions.
When the father took the stand today, he contradicted his son’s testimony...
N-SING: the N
25.
see also standing
26.
If you say it stands to reason that something is true or likely to happen, you mean that it is obvious.
It stands to reason that if you are considerate and friendly to people you will get a lot more back...
PHRASE: V inflects, usu it PHR that
27.
If you stand in the way of something or stand in a person’s way, you prevent that thing from happening or prevent that person from doing something.
The British government would not stand in the way of such a proposal...
PHRASE: V inflects
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1stand /ˈstænd/ verb stands; stood /ˈstʊd/; stand·ing
1 [no obj]
a : to be in an upright position with all of your weight on your feet
• She was standing near the window.
• He was standing next to me.
• All of the seats on the bus were taken so we had to stand.
• Don't just stand there (doing nothing)—do something!
• He can stand using a cane.
• You're standing on my foot. [=you're standing with your foot on top of my foot]
• He was standing in a puddle of water.
• The deer stood still, listening for danger.
• The soldiers stood (up) straight.
• We had to stand in line for over an hour.
• People were just standing around [=standing without doing anything], waiting to get inside the theater.
b : to move onto your feet from a sitting or low position
• Please stand [=(more formally) rise] for the national anthem.
- often + up
• He stood up to greet her.
• She was crouching down to look at something, but she stood up when she saw me.
2 a [no obj] : to be in an upright position
• Two bowling pins were left standing.
• A shovel and rake stood in the corner.
• The house she grew up in is no longer standing. [=the house has been destroyed or knocked down; the house no longer exists]
b [+ obj] : to put (something or someone) in an upright position
• She stood the ladder against the house.
- often + up
• He stood the boy up on a chair.
• Could you stand the picture frame back up?
3 [no obj]
a always followed by an adverb or preposition : to be in a particular place or position
• A clock stood on the mantelpiece.
• The mansion stands on a hill.
• A row of trees stands between the two houses.
- often used figuratively
• A single putt stands between her and the title. [=if she makes the putt, she will win the title]
• Go ahead and leave. I won't stand in your way. [=I won't try to stop you]
• We won't let anyone or anything stand in the way of our happiness. [=prevent us from being happy]
b : to remain in a place or position without moving or being moved
• The plane stood on the runway ready for takeoff.
• The machine stood idle.
• rainwater standing in stagnant pools
• Add the water and let the mixture stand for three minutes.
4 not used in progressive tenses [no obj] : to be a specified height
• He stands six feet two (inches tall).
• The tower stands over 1,000 feet high.
5 [no obj] : to be in a particular state or situation
• Where do we stand financially? [=what is our financial condition?]
• She stands accused of murder. [=she has been accused of murder]
6 [no obj] : to have a particular belief or opinion about something
• Where do you stand on the death penalty? Do you think it should be used or not?
• We still don't know where he stands on this issue.
• They stand divided [=they disagree] on this issue.
• She stands for/against the new regulations. [=she supports/opposes the new regulations]
• We ask you to stand (with us) in support of this proposal. [=we ask you to support this proposal]
• From where I stand, I think we have to do it.
7 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to have a particular rank or position within a group
• The team still stands [=ranks] first in the division.
• She is currently standing in second place.
• (chiefly Brit) He stands high/low with the voters. [=the voters have a good/bad opinion of him]
8 [no obj] : to continue to be at a specified number or amount - often + at
• Interest rates stand at 13 percent.
• The home run record stands at 73.
9 [no obj] : to not be changed : to remain valid or effective
• The decision still stands.
• The record she set seems likely to stand for many years.
10 [no obj] : to exist at the present time
• You must take or leave our offer as it stands.
• That is how the situation stands at present.
• As things stand, we will not be able to meet your deadline.
11 [no obj] : to be in a position in which you are likely to gain or lose something - followed by to + verb
• We stand to make a sizable profit from the sale.
• They stand to lose their home if they can't find a way to pay their bills.
12 [+ obj]
a : to be willing or able to accept (something or someone unpleasant) without complaint - usually used with can, can't, cannot, could, and couldn't
• Can you stand [=tolerate, put up with] waiting a few more minutes? = Can you stand to wait a few more minutes?
• How can you stand her friends?
• He couldn't stand [=bear, endure] the pain.
• I can only stand so much of your nonsense.
• His behavior was more than I could stand.
• I couldn't stand the thought/idea of having to move again.
b
- used to say that someone strongly dislikes a person or thing
• I can't stand him. [=I hate him]
• She can't stand cooking. = She can't stand to cook.
• They can't stand being apart.
• I can't stand it when people behave like that!
13 [+ obj] : to not be harmed by (something) : withstand
• I need a frying pan that can stand being placed in the oven.
• These plants can stand [=endure] very cold temperatures.
• His plays have stood the test of time. [=his plays are still read by many people today]
14 [+ obj]
- used to say that someone or something should have or do something or would be helped by something; usually used after could
• You look like you could stand some sleep. [=you look very tired; you look like you need some sleep]
• He could stand losing a few pounds. = He could stand to lose a few pounds.
• That bush could stand to be trimmed. [=that bush needs to be trimmed]
15 [no obj] Brit : to be a candidate in an election for a particular office - often + for
• He is standing [=(US) running] for a seat in Parliament.
16 [+ obj] Brit informal : to pay for (a meal or drink)
• I'll stand a meal for you. = I'll stand you a meal.
• He stood drinks for the table.
(as) sure as I'm standing here US informal
- used to say that you believe that something is certainly true, will happen, etc.
• They may claim that this was a surprise to them, but as sure as I'm standing here, they planned it all along.
I stand corrected
- see 2correct
make your hair stand on end
- see hair
not have a leg to stand on
- see 1leg
stand a chance
- see 1chance
stand alone
1 : to be in a position or situation in which you are not helped or supported by others
• She stood alone in her opposition to the proposal.
2
- used to say that someone or something is better than all others
• For great sound quality, this system stands alone.
stand aside [phrasal verb]
1 : move to the left or right with one or a few small steps
• Please stand aside and let me pass.
2 : to allow something to happen : to not try to stop someone from doing something
• I'm not going to stand aside [=stand by] and watch you ruin your life.
stand back [phrasal verb]
1 : to take a few steps backwards
• The paramedics told the crowd to stand back.
2 : to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time so that you can think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way
• It's time to stand back [=step back] and take a long hard look at your problems.
stand behind [phrasal verb] stand behind (someone or something) : to support (someone or something)
• I'll stand behind you no matter what you decide to do.
• I'll stand behind your decision 100 percent.
stand by [phrasal verb]
1 : to stand or be present without taking any action while something is happening
• A group of students stood by and watched the boys fight.
• How can you stand by and do nothing?
2 : to be ready or available for use
• An ambulance was standing by in case anyone got seriously injured.
• Operators are standing by (to take your calls).
- see also standby
3 stand by (something)
a : to support or defend (something)
• He said that he was standing by what he said earlier.
• I stand by my actions and have no regrets.
b : to act in the way that is required by (something, such as belief or promise)
• She stood by her promise.
4 stand by (someone) : to remain loyal to (someone) : to continue to support (someone)
• They promised to stand by each other until the end.
• She stood by her husband throughout the trial.
stand down [phrasal verb] Brit
1 : to leave the witness stand in a court of law
• The judge thanked the witness and allowed her to stand down.
2 : to leave a job or official position
• He stood down [=stepped down] (from his office) as Lord Mayor.
• She stood down in favour of a more popular candidate.
stand firm : to refuse to change your decision, position, etc.
• The judge stood firm in her ruling.
stand for [phrasal verb] stand for (something)
1 : to have (a specified meaning)
• “FYI” stands for “for your information.”
• The sign @ stands for “at.”
• The color white often stands for [=represents] innocence and purity.
2 : to support (something)
• The political party has always stood for reform.
3 : to allow (something) to continue to happen - usually used in negative statements
• I will not stand for [=put up with] any more of this nonsense.
- see also 1stand 15 (above)
stand guard/watch : to stand in a position and guard or watch someone or something in order to look for possible danger, threats, etc.
• A soldier stood guard by the door.
stand in [phrasal verb] : to take the place of (someone who is away for a time)
• He can't be here today, so he asked me to stand in. [=fill in]
- often + for
• He asked me to stand in for him while he was away.
- see also stand-in
stand on ceremony
- see ceremony
stand on your head/hands : to be in a position in which your legs and feet are straight up in the air and your weight is supported by your head or hands
• She can stand on her head/hands. [=she can do a headstand/handstand]
stand on your own two feet
- see 1foot
stand or fall
- used to say that the future or success of someone or something depends on another person or thing
• We (will) stand or fall by their decision. [=their decision will control what happens to us]
• Our company will stand or fall on our ability to make better products than our competitors. [=our success or failure depends on our ability to make better products than our competitors]
stand out [phrasal verb]
1 : to be easily seen or noticed
• His bright tie made him stand out (in the crowd).
• The trees' red leaves stood out against the gray sky.
2 : to be better or more important than the other people or things in a group in a way that is easily seen or noticed
• As a student, she stood out above/from the rest.
• Only one contestant really stands out [=sticks out] in my mind.
• Two facts stand out from her testimony.
• His performance really stood out.
3 : to stick out from a surface
• The hat made her ears stand out.
- see also standout
stand out like a sore thumb
- see 1sore
stand pat
- see 3pat
stand someone/something in good stead
- see stead
stand tall : to stand with your body very straight - often used figuratively in U.S. English
• We can stand tall and take pride in what we've accomplished.
• Despite the criticism, he has continued to stand tall.
stand to reason
- see 1reason
stand trial : to be on trial in a court of law
• He is standing trial for the murder of his wife.
stand up [phrasal verb]
1 : to remain valid or acceptable when tested or examined
• We need evidence that will stand up in court.
2 stand (someone) up informal : to fail to meet or keep an appointment with (someone)
• You stood me up yesterday.
• I got stood up by my date.
3 stand up for (someone or something) : to defend (someone or something) against attack or criticism
• He stood up for his friend.
• You have to stand up for yourself.
• They were standing up for their rights.
4 stand up to (someone) : to refuse to accept bad treatment from (someone)
• She finally stood up to the girl who had been teasing her at school.
5 stand up to (something) : to remain in good condition despite (something)
• These boots have stood up to [=withstood] a lot of abuse.
6 stand up and be counted : to make your opinions or beliefs publicly known especially when such action may cause trouble
• It's time for everyone who cares about this issue to stand up and be counted.
- see also 1stand 1b, 2b (above), stand-up
stand your ground