I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: stand off
1. : not cordial : not ready to agree or to make friends : reserved
standoff attitude
2. : used for holding something (as an electric wire) at a distance from a surface
standoff insulator
— see insulator illustration
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: stand off
1. : the act of standing off
2. Britain : a rest from work
3.
a. : a counterbalancing effect : neutralization
b. : tie , draw , deadlock