stand off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To stand some distance apart from something or someone.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He stood off from the fire, for fear of getting scorched.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To prevent any would-be attacker from coming close by adopting an offensive posture.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To move away from shore.
Register: dated
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “stand off” mean?
To stand some distance apart from something or someone.
Is “stand off” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.