Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

standover

noun

/ˈstændˌoʊ.vɚ/

Definition

The act of standing over someone or something, often implying intimidation or coercion.

Examples

The standover of the neighborhood by local gangs made residents feel unsafe.
He found himself in a standover situation when the bully demanded his lunch money.

Meaning

Standover can refer to a physical posture where an individual stands directly over another, potentially exhibiting dominance or threatening behavior. It is also used in a broader sense to describe situations where one party exerts pressure or control over another, particularly in contexts such as crime or bullying.