phrasal
1. : to be a symbol for : represent , signify , denote
white stands for purity
assumed that a consonantal letter stood for a consonant and a vowel — A.L.Kroeber
2. : to acknowledge or declare as a guiding principle or ideal
stand for decency
3. : to put up with : permit , endure
human sacrifice … was more than the Romans … could stand for — Stuart Piggott