standoff

//ˈstændˌɔf//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of standoff

Noun

standoffSingular
standoffsPlural
1

A deadlock or stalemate between two opposing parties, where neither side is willing to back down or compromise.

The negotiations ended in a standoff, with neither side willing to compromise.

2

A tense confrontation or armed conflict in which opposing forces face each other without engaging in direct combat.

The police and the armed suspect were in a tense standoff for several hours.

standoff - Deep Vocabulary