Standoff: meaning, definitions and examples

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standoff

 

[ หˆstรฆndษ”หf ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in a conflict

A situation in which agreement in an argument does not seem possible; deadlock. A state of indecision or stalemate, as in a contest. A confrontation between armed or opposing forces.

Synonyms

deadlock, impasse, stalemate, standstill

Examples of usage

  • The negotiations reached a standoff as neither side was willing to compromise.
  • After hours of intense debate, the meeting ended in a standoff.
  • The standoff between the two countries led to increased tension.
  • The standoff at the border lasted for days.
  • The standoff ended peacefully without any casualties.
Context #2 | Noun

in sports

A position in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible. A situation in which neither side is able to score or gain an advantage.

Synonyms

deadlock, draw, stalemate, tie

Examples of usage

  • The game ended in a 0-0 standoff.
  • The teams were locked in a standoff for the entire match.
  • The standoff continued until the final whistle blew.
Context #3 | Verb

in a conflict

To be at a standstill or impasse; to reach a deadlock. To confront or face off against someone or something.

Synonyms

confront, freeze, halt, stall

Examples of usage

  • The negotiations have standoffed and no progress is being made.
  • The two sides standoffed for days before reaching a resolution.
  • The armies standoffed at the border, ready for conflict.

Translations

Translations of the word "standoff" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น impasse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคคเคฟเคฐเฅ‹เคง

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Pattsituation

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kebuntuan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะปัƒั…ะธะน ะบัƒั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ impas

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่กŒใ่ฉฐใพใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท impasse

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ punto muerto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงฤฑkmaz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ต์ฐฉ ์ƒํƒœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทุฑูŠู‚ ู…ุณุฏูˆุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ patovรก situace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ patovรก situรกcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅƒตๅฑ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ slepa ulica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพrรถng

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆั‹า“ะฐั€ ะถะพะป ะถะพา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฉแƒ˜แƒฎแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รงฤฑxฤฑlmaz vษ™ziyyษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ punto muerto

Etymology

The term 'standoff' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the combination of 'stand' and 'off'. It initially referred to a situation in which two parties were at a distance from each other and unwilling to move closer, often in a conflict or dispute. Over time, the word evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including sports contexts and non-physical confrontations. The concept of a standoff has been a recurring theme in human history, reflecting the complexities of negotiation, conflict resolution, and competition.

See also: bystander, outstanding, stand, standard, standards, standby, standing, standings, standoffish, standpoint, standpoints, standstill, upstanding, withstand.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,296, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.