Standoff
/ˈstændɒf/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A device which maintains a fixed distance between two objects, especially between a surface and a sign or electrical wiring.
- 2 the act of repulsing or repelling an attack; a successful defensive stand wordnet
- 3 A deadlocked confrontation between antagonists.
"I don't want to get involved in the standoff between those two."
- 4 the finish of a contest in which the score is tied and the winner is undecided wordnet
Verb
- 1 Nonstandard spelling of stand off. alt-of, nonstandard
Adjective
- 1 For use at a distance sufficient from the target to allow defensive fire to be evaded. not-comparable
"a standoff bomb, missile, or weapon"
Example
More examples"There's a great scene in that old movie showing a Mexican standoff: all the men are ready to draw their guns if anyone else draws his gun, but nobody is willing to make the first move."
Etymology
Deverbal from stand off.