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stay

/steɪ/

noun

Meaning

  • Continuance or a period of time spent in a place; abode for an indefinite time; sojourn.

    "I hope you enjoyed your stay in Hawaii."

  • A postponement, especially of an execution or other punishment.

    "The governor granted a stay of execution."

  • A stop; a halt; a break or cessation of action, motion, or progress.

    "stand at a stay"

  • A fixed state; fixedness; stability; permanence.

  • A station or fixed anchorage for vessels.

  • Restraint of passion; prudence; moderation; caution; steadiness; sobriety.

  • Hindrance; let; check.

verb

Meaning

  • To prop; support; sustain; hold up; steady.

  • To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.

  • To stop; detain; keep back; delay; hinder.

  • To restrain; withhold; check; stop.

  • To cause to cease; to put an end to.

  • To put off; defer; postpone; delay; keep back.

    "The governor stayed the execution until the appeal could be heard."

  • To hold the attention of.

  • To bear up under; to endure; to hold out against; to resist.

  • To wait for; await.

  • To remain for the purpose of; to stay to take part in or be present at (a meal, ceremony etc.).

  • To rest; depend; rely.

  • To stop; come to a stand or standstill.

  • To come to an end; cease.

    "That day the storm stayed."

  • To dwell; linger; tarry; wait.

  • To make a stand; to stand firm.

  • To hold out, as in a race or contest; last or persevere to the end.

    "That horse stays well."

  • To remain in a particular place, especially for a definite or short period of time; sojourn; abide.

    "We stayed in Hawaii for a week.  I can only stay for an hour."

  • To wait; rest in patience or expectation.

  • (used with on or upon) To wait as an attendant; give ceremonious or submissive attendance.

  • To continue to have a particular quality.

    "Wear gloves so your hands stay warm."

  • To live; reside

    "Hey, where do you stay at?"

Synonyms

endure,
resist,
cancel,
cease,
discontinue,
halt,
stop,
terminate,
blin,
brake,
desist,
halt,
stop,
cease,
continue,
keep,
remain,
break a lance,
contend,
stand firm,
take a stand,
bear,
prop up,
uphold,
abide,
sojourn,
wait,
curb,
repress,
stifle,
attend,
bestand,
serve,
await,
wait for,
wait on