verb / noun

stand

STAND/stænd/

To remain upright under pressure.

The adult stands upright with weight balanced over both feet.

An adult stands upright on both feet beside a park bench, shoulders naturally aligned, entire feet and posture visible.

Etymology

standOld Englishbe on one's feet; stand firm

Old English standan included both 'be on one's feet' and 'stand firm.' The modern sense continues its concrete image of occupying an upright position.

In context

Pastor Greg Laurie18:21

just stand to your feet and I'm going to lead you in a prayer just stand up right now

Nick Vujicic Interview : Icons of Faith

More examples

She holds the rail to stay standing as the bus turns.
The old bridge has stood through decades of heavy storms.
The workers take a stand against unsafe conditions.

Forms

stand · stands · stood · standing

Similar words

withstand: Emphasizes surviving force or damage, not necessarily remaining upright.
resist: Emphasizes actively opposing pressure rather than simply holding position.
endure: Emphasizes bearing hardship over time rather than maintaining position.