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1. Something that can be relied on when needed
    
2. An actor able to replace a regular performer when required
   - understudy

1. Ready for emergency use
   "a standby generator"; "a standby crew"

1. Not act or do anything
   "He just stood by when the police beat up the demonstrators"
    
2. Be available or ready for a certain function or service
   - stick around, stick about
    
3. Be loyal to
   "She stood by her husband in times of trouble"
   - stick by, stick, adhere

Derived forms: stood by, standing by, standbies, stands by

See also: secondary, stand

Type of: actor, be, forbear, histrion, player, refrain, role player, thespian, thing, wait

Encyclopedia: Stand by