stand back
verb
stood back; standing back; stands back
1
: to take a few steps backwards
The paramedics told the crowd to stand back.
2
: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way
It's time to stand back and take a long hard look at your problems.
Examples of stand back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cross your legs while standing up and holding your arms out to the side, lower yourself to sit criss-cross on the floor by bending your knees, and stand back up—without using your hands, knees, or any furniture, or losing your balance.
—
Angela Haupt, Time, 15 May 2026
The Adventures in Babysitting costars stood back-to-back at the movie's premiere in June 2016.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Drive your weight evenly through the floor to push through your midfoot and stand back up to your starting position.
—Christa Sgobba, Health, 5 May 2026
Xavi went down in pain but stood back up after receiving treatment for a couple of minutes.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stand back
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Angela Haupt, Time, 15 May 2026
The Adventures in Babysitting costars stood back-to-back at the movie's premiere in June 2016.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Drive your weight evenly through the floor to push through your midfoot and stand back up to your starting position.
—Christa Sgobba, Health, 5 May 2026
Xavi went down in pain but stood back up after receiving treatment for a couple of minutes.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stand back
Cite this Entry
“Stand back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand%20back. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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