Meaning of “stand” in the English Dictionary

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"stand" in English

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standverb

uk /stænd/ us /stænd/ stood, stood

stand verb (VERTICAL)

A2 [ I or T ] 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 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.

See also

More examples

Don't stand out there in the cold - come in here and get warm.
The audience clapped and cheered when she stood up to speak.
They stood on the street corner handing out leaflets.
We stood huddled together for warmth.
She stood up to address a hushed courtroom.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Sitting and standing

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stand verb (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.

More examples

Inflation currently stands at three percent.
The current total stands at £30,000.
He stands to benefit from the situation.
Eight years later the building stands empty.
The theatre has been left to stand derelict.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Existing and being

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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Court cases, orders & decisions

stand verb (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.

no standing US UK no waiting

› used on signs to mean vehicles are not allowed to park, even for short periods of time:

The sign by the side of the road said "no standing".

More examples

His walking stick stood by the door.
You'll have to stand the sofa on its end to get it through the door.
Could you stand the bookcase against that wall, please?
There was a big chest of drawers standing in one corner.
In the centre of the hall stood a colossal wooden statue, decorated in ivory and gold.