1. situations in which opposing forces or groups are unable to make progress against each other; deadlocks
2. confrontations between armed groups, especially involving police and suspects
3. mechanical devices that maintain space between two objects or surfaces
Usage: technical

Examples

• The negotiations ended in multiple standoffs between the two countries.
• Police standoffs with armed suspects can last for hours.
• The political standoffs in Congress prevented any legislation from passing.
• SWAT teams are trained to handle dangerous standoffs safely.
• The circuit board uses metal standoffs to separate the components.
• After several standoffs, both sides agreed to compromise.
• The standoffs kept the glass panel properly spaced from the frame.