This week’s phrasal verb is “stand for”, and it has three different meanings:
1. for some initials to represent words. For example:
A: What does ASAP stand for?
B: It stands for as soon as possible.
My friend told me UFO stands for unidentified flying object.
2. to believe in and represent a certain ideal way of living. For example:
I believe that our prime minister stands for family values.
That company refuses to use cheap labor in poor countries. They really stand for honesty and integrity!
3. to tolerate something. For example:
My mother won’t stand for any swearing in her house. One time I said a bad word and she washed my mouth out with soap!
You’d better be on time for work. Our boss won’t stand for anyone arriving late.
The third way of using “stand for” is always used in negative sentences and usually with the word “won’t”.
English Help Online's Blog 
Kitty Said:
on August 7, 2011 at 8:34 am
This part of your blog is very useful for me, and I think I’ll keep in touch with this part and learn to use more natural
expression! Thank you and see you later.
Maxwell Chen Said:
on October 31, 2011 at 9:18 pm
so “stand for” is a verb phrase right?
is it transitive or intransitive?? please answer ASAP!
Thank you
englishhelponline Said:
on October 31, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Yes, “stand for” is a phrasal verb and it is transitive.