can't stand

(redirected from can't bear)
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Related to can't bear: cannot bear

can't stand (someone or something)

Cannot tolerate someone or something due to an aversion or a strong sense of disgust or dislike. Ugh, I can't stand obnoxious guys who always have to dominate the conversation. I could never be a doctor or nurse—I just can't stand the sight of blood. Now I'm just waiting to hear if I got into my first-choice school, and the uncertainty is killing me. I can't stand it!
See also: stand

can't stand (the sight of) someone or something

 and can't stomach someone or something
Fig. [to be] unable to tolerate someone or something; disliking someone or something extremely. (Also with cannot.) I can't stand the sight of cooked carrots. Mr. Jones can't stomach the sight of blood. None of us can stand this place. Nobody can stand Tom when he smokes a cigar.
See also: stand

can't stand

Also, can't abide or bear or stomach . Thoroughly dislike; be unable to put up with something or someone. For example, I can't stand the sight of her; she's obnoxious, or I can't bear to leave the country, or I can't stomach a filthy kitchen. The oldest of these synonymous expressions is can't abide, which Shakespeare used in 2 Henry IV (3:2): "She could not abide Master Shallow." Can't stand dates from the early 1600; can't bear dates from about 1700 and often but not always is used with an infinitive; can't stomach dates from the late 1600s and today is less common than the others.
See also: stand
References in periodicals archive ?
Stay calm, apologise and tell her that you trust her judgment, but you can't bear to think of her being hurt so you overreacted.
Mum's boyfriend is a serial cheat
You have changed into Liverpool One It's alien, it's notmy place It feels like I'm in outer space I knowthat you are trendy and smart But the change in you breaksmy heart Perhaps nowthat I'm growing old I can't bear to see a newage unfold Liverpool 15 wasmy old home Nowit's a place Iwould disown The Brook House had a bowling green These memories nowseem but a dream Shops, houses, boarded now The Willowtree Pub once had a cow The cared for area has disappeared Deterioration is what I feared Sefton Park was a child's delight Climbing trees, flying a kite Watching cricket, rowing on the lake Then to the cafe for tea and cake T he change in the city makesme sigh One can't go back the time's gone by Asad emotion has been put to pen Iwon't be going back home again by Maureen S.
Your Poem
Max can't bear that, and in his emotional state he's unable to resist the 'charms' of manipulative Becca when she kisses him.
EASTENDERS
I badly need something good to happen to me at Wembley soon because as things stand I absolutely can't bear the place.
Football: Wembley woe for Adrian; Stud Marks
TOUGH guys who can't bear to ditch their mighty gas guzzlers should check out this Jeep - an eco-friendly monster that won't ruin your street cred.
Jeepers creepers it's eco friendly
OVER, EGG: Magnusson can't bear to watch as West Ham crash 4-0
Football: Valley of death for Hammers; PARDS WINS BATTLE AT THE BOTTOM
If you're away from home but can't bear the thought of being parted from your favourite coffee, pack the compact, travel-size Essenza machine by Nespresso.
Quick bites
Nicki says: "They are total soul mates - they can't bear to be parted and both give our family endless entertainment with the games they play.
Top Dog
Words seemed to fail him and then, fighting back the tears, he said: ''I have a grandson who I'll see next week - I can't bear the thought of this.
Ashdown close to tears
He also tells DuJour mag: "I can't bear the thought of ever feeling like that again, even though I got great songs out of it.
BOY AM I HAPPY TO BE single
FOR pet owners who can't bear to be parted from their pooch, Best Western has launched a "Dog 'n' Bone" hotline (0845 373 1203), giving advice on which of its 112 pet-friendly hotels best meets your dog's needs.
In the know
Q MY wee boy is starting school next week and I can't bear it.
I worry about son starting school; READ JOAN AT WWW.DAILYRECORD.CO.UK/JUSTJOAN
QI LOVE my best friend but can't bear her boyfriend.
Friend and foe; ask anna The answer to your problems
Like every other female I know, I simply can't bear having my feet tickled either, but watching Everton when we were managed by Walter, was at least half as bad and unlike tickling, very painful.
Letter: You Say - Football fan's torture
About Witchell, he remarked: "I can't bear that man anyway.
Charles shows his contempt for the media
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