Phrase guide

sit still

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To remain motionless.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The dog wouldn't sit still while I gave him a bath.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To accept, tolerate, or acquiesce.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I'm not going to sit still and let him treat me this way.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: stillsitzen — to remain motionless
  • Polish: but see nie móc usiedzieć na miejscu — to remain motionless