# stand down

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stand-down
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to leave an important job or position so that someone else can take over. It is often used when a leader or politician decides to quit.

For teachers: to resign from a position of authority or a formal office. The verb is intransitive and often implies a voluntary withdrawal, though it can occur under pressure.

## Examples

- The chairman decided to stand down after ten years.
- Following the scandal, the minister was forced to stand down to avoid further damage to the party.
- The CEO announced her intention to stand down at the end of the fiscal year, triggering an immediate search for a suitable successor.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He stood down his position." but "He stood down from his position." — the verb is intransitive; you stand down 'from' a role rather than standing the role down.

## Usage notes

- commonly used in political, corporate, or military contexts.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'step down', which is a near-synonym; 'stand down' is more common in British English and can also mean to leave a state of military readiness.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.