1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To speak or act in defense of a person who is being treated unfairly.
"I'm glad you stood up for me when they were blaming me for the mistake."
inseparable
stand up for
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To defend or support a person, principle, or belief, especially when they are being criticized or attacked.
In plain English
To say or do something to help and protect someone or something when others are being unfair to them.
What does "stand up for" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To defend a principle, right, or belief when it is under threat.
"We must stand up for freedom of the press, even when it is inconvenient."
“
You have to stand up for what you believe in, even if it's not popular.
— Rosa Parks, commonly attributed in multiple interviews and biographies
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
(Reflexive) To assert oneself and refuse to accept unfair treatment.
"It's time you stood up for yourself and told your boss that you deserve a raise."
inseparable
Usage tip
One of the most common and important phrasal verbs at B1 level. Very frequently used in both personal and political contexts. The reflexive form ('stand up for yourself') is especially common.
Words that pair with "stand up for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rights yourself beliefs principles friend others
How to conjugate "stand up for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stand up for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands up for
he/she/it
Past simple
stood up for
yesterday
Past participle
stood up for
have + pp
-ing form
standing up for
continuous
Hear "stand up for" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stand up for"
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