All phrasal verbs

stand

/stænd/6 phrasal verbs

The plain verb means to be upright, or to hold a position.

STAND carries the idea of holding a position — physically or morally. Stand for means represent (what the letters stand for) and also tolerate (“I won't stand for it”). Add UP and it becomes stand up for — actively defend — and stand up to — resist someone powerful.

Side by side

Every STAND phrasal verb, with the one line that keeps it apart from its siblings. Tap any one to open it.

Phrasal verbMeansHow to remember it
stand outNo objectbe noticeably different or excellentOUT = it protrudes from the background.
stand upBoth3 meaningsrise to your feet; fail to meet someone as arrangedUP = vertical — or you left them waiting.
stand byInseparable2 meaningswait ready; remain loyal to someoneBY = beside, waiting.
stand forInseparable2 meaningsrepresent; tolerateFOR = it stands in place of the thing.
stand up forInseparabledefend a person or a principleUP FOR = you rise on their behalf.
stand up toInseparableresist someone more powerfulUP TO = you face them, upright.
Phrasal verbs with STAND — what each one means