stand for

British  

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

---

stand for Idioms  

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

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

3. 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 .

4. 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 .

---

Example Sentences

Before he left, he recounted telling his family: "Even if I die, please stand for your rights. Stand for who you are".

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

According to its filing on Saturday, Team Stand for America raised nearly $4.3 million in contributions in the first quarter.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2023

Kia Franklin, executive director of Stand for Children, said much the same, concerned that kids in poorer districts could “slip through the cracks” by pursuing the performance pathway.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 2, 2023

Shake Shack's corporate mission is summarized by the statement, "Stand for Something Good."

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2022

Stand, for it waits thee in the fray: With life thou ne'er shalt flee away.”

From The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Griffith, Ralph T. H. (Ralph Thomas Hotchkin)

Related Words

• exemplify
• imply
• represent
• suggest
• symbolize