standoff

¹stand·off

noun \ˈstand-ˌȯf\

Definition of STANDOFF

1

a : tie, deadlock <the two teams played to a standoff> b : a counterbalancing effect

2

: the act of standing off

Examples of STANDOFF

1. The two governments are currently in a standoff over who has rights to the land.
2. <after two hours they had played to a 5–5 standoff>

First Known Use of STANDOFF

circa 1835

Related to STANDOFF

Synonyms: dead heat, draw, stalemate, tie

Related Words: deadlock, impasse; seesaw; photo finish; horse race, toss-up

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Rhymes with STANDOFF

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