To remain in a particular place or position. She decided to stay at home instead of going out.
To continue to be in a particular state or condition. He stayed calm during the entire meeting.
To reside temporarily as a guest. We stayed at a hotel during our vacation.
To stop or delay a legal proceeding. The judge decided to stay the execution of the sentence.
To stop, restrain, or check the motion or action of someone or something. He stayed the horse with a sharp tug on the reins.
To support or steady (a structure, object, etc.) with stays, braces, or other supports. The workers stayed the scaffolding with additional beams to ensure safety.
A period of staying somewhere, typically as a guest or visitor. During our stay at the hotel, we enjoyed the spa and the pool.
A suspension or postponement of a judicial proceeding or execution. The court granted a stay of execution to allow for further investigation.
A device used to support or steady something; a brace or support. The tent was held up by several stays to ensure it remained stable in the wind.
A strong rope, wire, or cable used to support or steady a ship's mast, the deck of a bridge, or another structure; a guy-line. The fore stay snapped during the storm, leaving the mast unsupported.