standoff
standoff Lexical Profile
standoff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A deadlock or confrontation between two equally matched opposing sides in which neither party is willing to yield or able to gain an advantage.
"The prolonged contract negotiations between the management and the labor union ended in a tense standoff."
A threaded spacer or mounting post used in electronics and construction to keep a circuit board, panel, or sign separated at a fixed distance from a surface.
"Before installing the motherboard, make sure every brass standoff is aligned with the mounting holes inside the computer case."
British In rugby, the halfback player who positions themselves between the scrum-half and the three-quarter line to direct attacking play; a fly-half.
"The standoff caught the pass cleanly and kicked the ball deep into the opposing team's territory."
• adjective
Operating, occurring, or launched from a distance rather than requiring close physical contact.
"The research team used standoff sensors to measure volcanic gases safely from several miles away."
• Rhymes for standoff
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 19th century as a noun compound from the phrasal verb 'stand off', meaning to keep at a distance or hold one's ground.