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 .

Example Sentences

“He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for,” Fonda said in a statement to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

That, in itself, is a tacit acknowledgement that from No10's point of view nowhere near enough people could say what he stands for now.

From BBC

“You know, you can buy the same things everywhere, more or less, and your branding needs to be very focused and to kind of stand for something.”

From Los Angeles Times

Each letter stands for a key habit that can help clear the mental mist and keep your mind performing at its best:

From BBC

“He says he’s a big fan of Lincoln, but now is the moment for him to remember what Lincoln stood for.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exemplify 
• imply 
• represent 
• suggest 
• symbolize