Definition

Verb (intransitive): To remain in one fixed place or position; to not move or leave.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to give a direct instruction or to describe a state of not moving from a specific location. It often implies a command or strong advice to wait patiently.

Examples

• Instruction/Command: "Stay put while I go get help."
• Instruction/Command: "The doctor told him to stay put in bed for a week."
• Describing a State: "The cat stayed put on the windowsill all afternoon."
• Describing a State: "Despite the chaos, the security guard stayed put at his post."

Advanced Usage

• Imperative Form: Most commonly used in the imperative mood to give a firm, clear order not to move.
  • "Everyone, stay put! There's a fire in the hallway."
• After Modal Verbs: Can be used with modal verbs like , , to express necessity or strong recommendation.
  • "You should stay put until the storm passes."

Variants and Related Words

• Stay: The base verb, meaning to remain in a place. "Stay put" is a more emphatic and specific form.
• Remain: A more formal synonym for "stay."
• Stick around (phrasal verb, informal): To remain in a place, often with the implication of waiting for something to happen. (e.g., "Stick around, the show is about to start.")

Synonyms

• Remain
• Wait
• Stand fast
• Hold your ground
• Not budge

Antonyms

• Move
• Leave
• Go
• Depart

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Stay behind: To remain after others have left.
  • "A few students stayed behind to ask questions."
• Stay in: To remain at home.
  • "Let's stay in and watch a movie tonight."

Related Idioms

• Hold the fort: To remain and take care of a place while someone is away. This implies responsibility, not just physical presence.
  • "Can you hold the fort while I'm at the meeting?"
• Sit tight: To remain in a place and wait patiently, often for news or instructions. Very similar in meaning to "stay put."
  • "Just sit tight, the taxi will be here soon."

Verb

1. stay put (in a certain place); we are not moving to Cincinnati"
   • We are staying in Detroit
   • Stay put in the corner here!
   • Stick around and you will learn something!