stand-off
Neither side yields
A stand-off is a situation where opposing sides are deadlocked, neither able to advance or force the other to yield: The negotiations ended in a stand-off.
Often implies tension without resolution—armed stand-offs between police and suspects, diplomatic stand-offs between nations.
As an adjective, stand-offish describes someone cold or aloof.
Also spelled standoff.
Violent disagreement or collision
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- skirmishBrief, limited combat
conflict · altercation · engagement · battle · struggle · contention · feud · quarrel
Mutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- logjamObstruction halting flow
- standstillTotal cessation of movement
draw · tie · checkmate · halt · blockade · dead-end · paralysis · stagnation
Antagonistic disposition toward others
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- enmityBitter, lasting ill will
- belligerenceWarlike aggression
suspense · unease · strain · pressure · edginess · nervousness · apprehension · uncertainty
Emotional unavailability, standoffishness
- reserveSupply kept back
- distanceSpace between two points
- coolnessCalm self-possession
- remotenessQuality of being faraway
withdrawal · disengagement · separation · isolation · standoffishness · unapproachability · formality · coldness
Negotiation between nations
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- talksSpeaks with others
- parleyDiscussion between opposing sides
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
arbitration · conciliation · truce · ceasefire · de-escalation · bargaining · summit · engagement
clash
Violent disagreement or collision
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
skirmish · conflict · altercation · engagement · battle · struggle · contention · feud · quarrel · tussle
deadlock
Mutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- logjamObstruction halting flow
standstill · draw · tie · checkmate · halt · blockade · dead-end · paralysis · stagnation · inaction
hostility
Antagonistic disposition toward others
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- enmityBitter, lasting ill will
belligerence · suspense · unease · strain · pressure · edginess · nervousness · apprehension · uncertainty · brinkmanship
aloofness
Emotional unavailability, standoffishness
remoteness · withdrawal · disengagement · separation · isolation · standoffishness · unapproachability · formality · coldness · frigidity
diplomacy
Negotiation between nations
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- talksSpeaks with others
- parleyDiscussion between opposing sides
dialogue · arbitration · conciliation · truce · ceasefire · de-escalation · bargaining · summit · engagement · rapprochement
- rugbyscrum, try, rugby, Rugby World Cup, rugby union
- conflict responsesavoidance, confrontation, compromise, accommodation, aggression
stand-offresolution
Formal decision or determination
settlement · agreement · breakthrough · compromise · accord
stand-offcooperation
Joint action toward shared aims
collaboration · engagement · alliance · partnership · rapprochement
stand-offdecisive victory
Overwhelming win, clear outcome
rout · surrender · capitulation · conquest · knockout