stand for

verb

1. to represent or mean

2. to be or become a candidate for

3. to support or recommend

4. informal,  to tolerate or bear

   he won't stand for any disobedience

Idioms and Phrases

Represent, symbolize, as in The stars and stripes stands for our country . [Early 1600s]

Advocate, support, uphold, as in The National Writers Union stands for freedom of the press . [c. 1300] Also see stand up for .

Put up with, tolerate. This usage is generally in a negative context, as in Mother will not stand for rude behavior . [Late 1800s] Also see hold still for .

stand for something . Have some value or importance, as in She realized that appearances do stand for something . This usage dates from the mid-1800s but was preceded by stand for nothing , meaning “be worthless,” dating from the late 1300s. Also see stand in for .

Related Words

• exemplify 
• imply 
• represent 
• suggest 
• symbolize