stand down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in legal, political, military, and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “stand down” mean?
To withdraw from a position, competition, or contest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To withdraw from a position, competition, or contest; to step aside from duty or office.
To cease to be active in a role or argument; to relinquish a claim or position voluntarily.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Stand down' is a standard legal/military term in both. Slightly more common in UK political discourse regarding leadership challenges.
Connotations
In military/law enforcement contexts: 'Stand down' is a clear command to cease readiness. In politics: can imply graceful concession or forced withdrawal.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “stand down” in a Sentence
[Subject] + stand down + (from + [Position/Role])[Subject] + be stood down + (by + [Authority])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stand down” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chairman will stand down at the next AGM.
- The barrister stood down from the case.
American English
- The senator was pressured to stand down.
- The general ordered the troops to stand down.
adverb
British English
- (Not typically used as adverb)
American English
- (Not typically used as adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not typically used as adjective)
American English
- (Not typically used as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO agreed to stand down after the merger.
Academic
The researcher had to stand down from the panel due to a conflict of interest.
Everyday
I've decided to stand down as treasurer of the club.
Technical
The officer ordered the unit to stand down from high alert.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stand down”
- Using 'stand down' for temporary pauses (use 'stand by'). Confusing with 'sit down'. Using it without an implied role/position.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but often used in formal/official contexts like politics, law, and the military.
No, it implies a more permanent withdrawal from a role, duty, or competition.
They are largely synonymous, but 'stand down' is more common in formal/official and military contexts.
Primarily intransitive (He stood down). Can be used in passive constructions (He was stood down).
To withdraw from a position, competition, or contest.
Stand down: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstænd ˈdaʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstænd ˈdaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stand down, soldier! (command)”
- “He was forced to stand down.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a guard STANDing at his post, then being told to step DOWN.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION/HEIGHT IS STATUS (stepping down = losing status).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stand down' LEAST appropriate?