Standoff: meaning, definitions and examples

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standoff

[ˈstændɔːf ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
standoff	Use when two sides in a conflict are unable to agree or make any moves, often creating a tense situation. It is commonly used in political, military, or law enforcement scenarios. The negotiations between the two countries reached a standoff The police standoff lasted for hours until the suspect surrendered
deadlock	Appropriate when discussions or negotiations can't move forward due to equal opposing forces or ideas. This term is often used in political, business, or legal contexts. The board meeting ended in a deadlock, with no agreement reached The jury was in deadlock, unable to decide on a verdict
stalemate	Commonly used in chess but also in other situations where neither side can proceed or win. It implies that both parties are stuck with no beneficial moves left. The election results created a political stalemate, leaving the country without clear leadership The discussion turned into a stalemate, as neither side was willing to give in
impasse	Used to describe a situation where no progress can be made due to a complete lack of options. It conveys a sense of hopelessness or frustration. The peace talks have reached an impasse with both sides refusing to compromise We are at an impasse in our negotiations and need to rethink our strategy
standstill	Describes a situation where all activity has stopped. It is often used in traffic, business operations, or other scenarios where any form of movement or progress has halted. The accident caused a traffic standstill on the highway The project came to a standstill due to funding issues

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
standoff	This term is often used in situations of confrontation, particularly in a tense, potentially violent scenario where two parties are facing each other and neither is willing to back down. The police and the criminals were in a standoff after the chase. Negotiations between the two sides ended in a standoff.
tie	Like 'draw', 'tie' is used in competitive scenarios to indicate that two participants have finished with the same score or outcome; common in sports and elections. The marathon ended in a tie, with both runners crossing the finish line simultaneously. The talent show resulted in a tie between the two top contestants.
draw	This term is usually used in competitive contexts, such as sports, games, or elections, indicating that neither side has won. The chess match ended in a draw after hours of play. The football game was a draw with a score of 2-2.
deadlock	Deadlock is commonly used in contexts where progress is completely halted due to a disagreement or impasse, especially in negotiations, politics, or business. The union and management reached a deadlock in their contract talks. The council's decision-making struggled to move forward due to a deadlock.
stalemate	Stalemate is often used in chess but can also apply to any situation where neither side can make a move that will lead to victory, leading to a situation where no progress can be made. The chess game ended in a stalemate after both players had no more legal moves. The ongoing debate resulted in a stalemate as neither side would compromise.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
standoff	Use when two parties are in a deadlock and cannot come to an agreement due to a conflict, suggesting tension. The negotiation ended in a standoff, with neither side willing to compromise. The police and the robbers were locked in a standoff outside the bank.
stall	Use when something is delayed or prevented from making progress, often deliberately or unintentionally so. The meeting stalled because participants could not agree on the agenda. His car stalled in the middle of the intersection.
halt	Use when stopping an activity, movement, or process, often in a formal or sudden manner. The train came to a sudden halt due to an emergency on the tracks. Production was halted due to a shortage of raw materials.
freeze	Use when something or someone suddenly stops moving or functioning, often due to shock, fear, or uncertainty. The deer froze as soon as it heard the hunter's footsteps. His computer seemed to freeze just before he could save his work.
confront	Use when someone faces or challenges another person about an issue or problem, often suggesting a direct or bold approach. He decided to confront his boss about the unfair treatment. She had to confront her fears before she could move forward.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'standoff' emerged in the mid-19th century, derived from the combination of 'stand' and 'off', denoting a clear separation.
Originally, 'stand off' described the act of keeping a distance, often to avoid conflict.
The term gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially related to legal and military contexts.

Pop Culture

In films and TV shows, standoffs are often climax points, showcasing tension between protagonists and antagonists.
Famous standoffs in cinema include moments like the duel scenes in Westerns, where characters face each other at high noon.
Video games frequently use standoff mechanics in strategy and combat scenarios, emphasizing the importance of timing and decision-making.

Psychology

Standoffs can create high stress for those involved, as the unresolved tension may lead to increased anxiety and anticipation.
The phenomenon of cognitive dissonance can occur during standoffs, where individuals hold conflicting beliefs about the confrontation.
Studies suggest that non-verbal communication skills play a crucial role in resolving standoffs, as body language can signal intentions.

History

Standoffs have historically occurred in political disputes, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, where opposing sides faced off without direct combat.
The term applies to various protests and riots, where demonstrators and authorities may reach an impasse with neither side willing to back down.
Famous historical events like the Siege of Washington in 1861 involved standoffs, where one force awaited a weaker opponent’s actions.

Literature

In novels, standoffs are often used as plot devices to develop character arcs, illuminating their fears or motivations.
Authors use standoff situations to create suspense, allowing readers to ponder the possible outcomes of a confrontation.
Classic literature, like plays by Shakespeare, frequently incorporates standoff elements, showcasing the psychological tension among characters.

Translations

Translations of the word "standoff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impasse

🇮🇳 गतिरोध

🇩🇪 Pattsituation

🇮🇩 kebuntuan

🇺🇦 глухий кут

🇵🇱 impas

🇯🇵 行き詰まり

🇫🇷 impasse

🇪🇸 punto muerto

🇹🇷 çıkmaz

🇰🇷 교착 상태

🇸🇦 طريق مسدود

🇨🇿 patová situace

🇸🇰 patová situácia

🇨🇳 僵局

🇸🇮 slepa ulica

🇮🇸 þröng

🇰🇿 шығар жол жоқ

🇬🇪 ჩიხი

🇦🇿 çıxılmaz vəziyyət

🇲🇽 punto muerto

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.

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26293 boarder
26294 forsaking
26295 quilted
26296 standoff
26297 ostentatiously
26298 sputter
26299 werewolf
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