A standoff is a situation in which neither of two opposing groups or forces will make a moveuntil the other one does something, so nothing can happen until one of them gives way.
There is no sign of an end to the standoff between Mohawk Indians and the Quebecprovincial police.
standoff in British English
(ˈstændˌɒf)
noun
1. US and Canadian
the act or an instance of standing off or apart
2.
a deadlock or stalemate
3.
any situation or disposition of forces that counterbalances or neutralizes
4. rugby short for stand-off half
verbstand off(adverb)
5. (intransitive)
to navigate a vessel so as to avoid the shore, an obstruction, etc
6. (transitive)
to keep or cause to keep at a distance
7. (intransitive)
to reach a deadlock or stalemate
8. (transitive)
to dismiss (workers), esp temporarily
standoff in American English
(ˈstændˌɔf)
noun
1.
a standing off or being stood off
2.
a counterbalancing or equalizing effect
3.
a tie or draw in a game or contest
adjective
4.
that stands off
5.
standoffish
Examples of 'standoff' in a sentence
standoff
The industry hopes the result will pave the way for an end to the standoff.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He was visibly angry as he demanded an end to the standoff.
The Sun (2007)
But the standoff ended when they caved in.
The Sun (2011)
They turn to the school to try to resolve a standoff with their daughter.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The only winner in this standoff in the end will be Vlad.
The Sun (2014)
It will not necessarily end the standoff, though.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
A tense standoff occurred when an annex to a house used for meetings was torn down in early October.
Christianity Today (2000)
So there was a standoff between the two near Tower Bridge.
The Sun (2016)
As I wait, a standoff ensues.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In other languages
standoff
British English: standoff NOUN
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.
There is no sign of an end to the stand-off between Mohawk Indians and the Quebec provincial police.
American English: standoff
Brazilian Portuguese: impasse
Chinese: 僵局
European Spanish: punto muerto
French: impasse
German: Pattsituation
Italian: situazione di stallo
Japanese: 行き詰まり
Korean: 교착상태
European Portuguese: impasse
Latin American Spanish: punto muerto
British English: stand-off NOUN
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.
There is no sign of an end to the stand-off between locals and the police.
American English: standoff
Brazilian Portuguese: impasse
Chinese: 僵局
European Spanish: punto muerto
French: impasse
German: Pattsituation
Italian: situazione di stallo
Japanese: 行き詰まり
Korean: 교착상태
European Portuguese: impasse
Latin American Spanish: punto muerto
All related terms of 'standoff'
Mexican stand-off
A Mexican stand-off is a situation in which neither of the people or groups in a conflict or dispute can win and neither wants to give in first.
stand-off
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.
stand-off half
a player who acts as a link between the scrum half and three-quarter backs
fly half
a player who acts as a link between the scrum half and three-quarter backs
out-half
a player who acts as a link between the scrum half and three-quarter backs
outside half
a player who acts as a link between the scrum half and three-quarter backs
Mexican standoff
a situation in which neither side in an argument or contest can win
standoff missile
a missile capable of striking a distant target after launch by an aircraft outside the range of missile defences