v. 1. To be a sign of; make you think of; mean. The letters "U.S.A." stand for "United States of America." The written sign "=" in an arithmetic problem stands for "equals." Our flag stands for our country. The owl stands for wisdom. 2. To speak in favor of something, or show that you support it. The new President stood for honest government. John always stands for what is right. 3. Chiefly British To try to be elected for. Three men from London are standing for parliament. The governor did not stand for reelection. 4. informal To allow to happen or to be done; permit. Usually used in the negative, The teacher will not stand for fooling in the classroom.
Compare: HAVE IT 4 , PUT UP WITH.