# standoff

/ˈstænˌdɔf/ (US) · /stˈændɒf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/standoff
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a deadlock

noun · CEFR B2

a situation where two groups are in a fight or disagreement and neither side will give up or move.

For teachers: a state of deadlock or stalemate in a confrontation where neither party is willing to yield or can gain an advantage.

- The armed standoff between the police and the suspect lasted for over six hours.
- The diplomatic standoff continued for weeks, with both nations refusing to withdraw their troops from the disputed border zone.

### 2. a spacer

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a small piece of hardware used to keep a gap between two objects, like a sign and a wall.

For teachers: a mechanical fastener or component used to maintain a fixed distance between two objects, often in electronics or signage.

- The technician used plastic standoffs to keep the circuit board from touching the metal case.
- The glass sign was mounted to the lobby wall using brushed steel standoffs to create a modern, floating effect.

### 3. at a safe distance

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes a weapon or action that happens from a long distance away to keep the user safe.

For teachers: relating to weapons or military operations launched from a distance sufficient to allow the attacking party to evade defensive fire.

- The ship is equipped with standoff missiles that can hit targets from miles away.
- The military strategy shifted toward standoff capability, allowing pilots to engage threats without entering the range of enemy anti-aircraft systems.

## Examples

- The police and the suspect are in a tense standoff.
- After hours of negotiation, the standoff between the union and the management ended with a compromise.
- The geopolitical standoff lasted for decades, with both nations maintaining a massive military presence along the border without ever engaging in direct combat.

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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.