outstand

verb

Sayowt-STAND/aʊtˈstænd/

Formsoutstands, outstanding, outstood

5 meanings of outstand

1
verbintransitive
To stick out from the main shape so that it is easy to see.
Like one tall sunflower standing high above all the short plants in a garden.
Sharp ridges outstand along the mountain's edge.
The new tower outstands above the old town.
Similarproject, protrude, jut
Note
2
verbtransitive
To stay or last longer than another person or thing.
Old stone bridges outstand all the flimsy new ones nearby.
The guests outstood their welcome by several hours.
Similaroutlast, outstay, overstay, survive
Note
3
verbarchaictransitive
To hold firm against an attack or force without giving in.
Like a strong wall that holds firm no matter how hard the waves hit it.
The castle walls outstand every siege thrown against them.
Like Solomon's fool, he outstands all reproof.
1658, John Spencer, Thomas FullerHere, outstands means holds firm against something without giving in.
Note

Less common meanings

4
verbarchaicintransitive
To stay unpaid, unsettled, or not yet dealt with.
Like a library book you forgot to return that is still waiting to be brought back.
Several bills still outstand at the end of the month.
A few accounts outstood for years before anyone noticed.
Note
5
verbarchaicintransitive
To sail away from land toward the open sea.
Like a swimmer leaving the shallow water and heading out into the deep.
Whaling ships outstand each spring to reach the open fishing grounds.
The frigate outstood at first light to escape the blockade.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English outstanden, made from out- and stand.