stand-down

American  

[stand-doun] / ˈstændˌdaʊn /

Or standdown

noun

1. Military. a temporary cessation of offensive actions; cease-fire; truce.

   a stand-down for the Christmas holidays.

2. a work stoppage or layoff.

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stand down British  

verb

1. (intr) to resign or withdraw, esp in favour of another

2. (intr) to leave the witness box in a court of law after giving evidence

3. to go or be taken off duty

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stand down Idioms  

1. Leave a witness stand, as in The judge told her to stand down . [Late 1600s]

2. Withdraw, as from a political contest or a game or race, as in Harry decided to stand down as a candidate for mayor . [Late 1800s]

3. Go off duty, as in The American forces were ordered to stand down . [Early 1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of stand-down

First recorded in 1920–25; noun use of verb phrase stand down

Example Sentences

The boats were rejecting commands and were unable to reliably maneuver away from other traffic, prompting a safety stand-down, according to people familiar with the exercise.

From The Wall Street Journal

If Kildunne, who turned 26 on Monday, comes through her mandatory minimum 12-day stand-down period without showing further concussion symptoms, she will be fit for a potential semi-final on Saturday, 20 September.

From BBC

The England full-back was forced off in the second half of England's Pool A win on Saturday and faces a mandatory minimum 12-day stand-down period after showing concussion symptoms.

From BBC

Curry was cleared to play after coming through his 12-day stand-down period, and his inclusion in a full-strength side against Japan only points to England's need for a positive outcome.

From BBC

The Marine Corps did order a 48-hour aircraft stand-down after the incident, which was the third recent aviation mishap.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• abolish
• abrogate
• annul
• cancel
• dismantle
• invalidate
• lift
• nullify
• rescind
• reverse
• revoke
• set aside
• void
• wipe out
• withdraw