View synonyms for stand off

stand off

Stay at a distance, remain apart, as in Carol stood off from the others . [First half of 1600s] This usage gave rise to the adjective standoffish for “aloof” or “reserved in a haughty way.”
Put off, keep away, as in The police stood off the angry strikers . [Second half of 1800s]

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The result was less a dramatic stand-off between humans and animals and more a strangely moving piece of performance art.

What followed, instead, was a year of inaction, culminating in a government shutdown and a stand-off over the fiscal cliff.

Indeed, if this was self-destructive, then provoking another stand-off—during an election year, no less—would be suicidal.

Obama said that right now he would focus American efforts on resolving the stand-off with Iran over its nuclear program.

A “Mexican stand-off” apparently ensued before the police realized who Andrew was.

But no serious damage was done, and the bombardment ended in a stand-off between the two sides.

It's been what you might call a stand-off for a good many years.

The two shook hands, and Elizabeth thought the girl's manner a little stand-off, and wondered why.

You looked so supercilious and stand-off-the-grass like that I couldn't bring myself to it at all.

I'm quite sure that a man who is genial and nice gets his work done ever so much better than do those stand-off fellows.

April 21, 2024absquatulate

[ab-skwoch-uh-leyt ]

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