View synonyms for stand by

stand by

verb

(intr, adverb) to be available and ready to act if needed or called upon
(intr, adverb) to be present as an onlooker or without taking any action
he stood by at the accident
(intr, preposition) to be faithful to
to stand by one's principles
(tr, adverb) English law (of the Crown) to challenge (a juror) without needing to show cause

1. a person or thing that is ready for use or can be relied on in an emergency
2. ( as modifier )
  stand-by provisions
in a state of readiness for action or use

(of an airline passenger, fare, or seat) not booked in advance but awaiting or subject to availability

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Be ready or available to act, as in I'm almost ready for you to carve the turkey, so please stand by . [Mid-1200s]

Wait for something to resume, as in We are all standing by until the power is restored . Also see on standby .

Be present but remain uninvolved, refrain from acting, as in I can't stand by and see these kids shoplifting . [Late 1300s]

Remain loyal, as in She's my friend and I'll stand by her, no matter what . [Early 1500s] Also see stick by .

Adhere to, abide by, as in I'm going to stand by what I said yesterday . [Late 1300s]

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