A stand-off is a situation in which neither of two opposing groups or forces will make a move until the other one does something, so nothing can happen until one of them gives way. This situation could lead to another diplomatic stand-off. Synonyms: deadlock, stalemate, impasse, draw More Synonyms of stand-off.

What does it mean stand off?

stood off; standing off; stands off. Definition of stand off (Entry 3 of 3) intransitive verb. 1 : to stay at a distance from something. 2 : to sail away from the shore.

Is it stand off or standoff?

The adjective standoffish is more commonly used to mean the same thing. Standoff is sometimes hyphenated, as stand-off. Example: The old enemies stared at each other in a tense standoff, both of them refusing to give an inch.