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

1. Something that can be relied on when needed
   "The old generator served as a standby in case of power outages"
    
2. An actor able to replace a regular performer when required
   "The standby had to step in when the lead actress fell ill";
   - understudy

1. Be available or ready for a certain function or service
   "The assistant stood by in case he was needed";
   - stick around, stick about [Brit, informal]
    
2. Be loyal to
   "She stood by her husband in times of trouble";
   - stick by, stick, adhere
    
3. Not act or do anything
   "He just stood by when the police beat up the demonstrators"

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

See also: secondary, stand

Type of: actor, forbear, histrion [archaic], player, refrain, relate, role player, thesp [Brit, informal], thespian, thing, wait

Encyclopedia: Standby