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

“You might say it’s a sort of cooperative, of which I’m a founding member. My name is Sarah R. R stands for Rector, if you ever look me up.”

From Literature

CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy, which sounds painful, but isn’t as awful as it sounds.

From Literature

Leonard formally stepped down from his executive role at the Canadian software company in September for health reasons, and on Friday Constellation said he won’t stand for reelection to the board.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The UK does not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families," the British spokesperson added.

From Barron's

"The UK does not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families," they add.

From BBC

Related Words

• exemplify
• imply
• represent
• suggest
• symbolize