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stand for

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stand for something

 

1. to permit something; to endure something. The teacher won't stand for any whispering in class. We just can't stand for that kind of behavior.

2. to signify something. In a traffic signal, the red light stands for "stop." The abbreviation Dr. stands for "doctor."

3. to endorse or support an ideal. The mayor claims to stand for honesty in government and jobs for everyone. Every candidate for public office stands for all the good things in life.

See also: stand

stand for something

1. to represent something She explained that DIN stands for a€?do it now.a€? Traditionally, images of lions stand for royalty.

2. to support particular principles or values I'm not sure whether that group stands for more or less regulation of the power industry. He wanted his party to stand for human rights.

See also: stand

stand for

1. Represent, symbolize, as in The stars and stripes stands for our country. [Early 1600s]

2. Advocate, support, uphold, as in The National Writers Union stands for freedom of the press. [c. 1300] Also see stand up for.

3. Put up with, tolerate. This usage is generally in a negative context, as in Mother will not stand for rude behavior. [Late 1800s] Also see hold still for.

4. stand for something. Have some value or importance, as in She realized that appearances do stand for something. This usage dates from the mid-1800s but was preceded by stand for nothing, meaning "be worthless," dating from the late 1300s. Also see stand in for.

See also: stand

stand for

v.

1. To represent something; symbolize something: In military code, "Charlie" stands for the letter C. What does your middle initial stand for?

2. To advocate or support something: I stand for freedom of the press.

3. To tolerate something; put up with something: We will not stand for rude behavior.

4. To run in some election or for some elected office: The incumbent stood for reelection.

See also: stand