withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood with-ˈstu̇d 

wit͟h-

; withstanding

transitive verb

1

a

: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination

especially : to resist successfully

b

: to be proof against : resist the effect of

withstand the impact of a landing

—Current Biography

2

archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of

Synonyms

• buck
• defy
• fight
• oppose
• repel
• resist

Choose the Right Synonym for withstand

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

cookware that can withstand high temperatures

I couldn't withstand the rigors of army life.

They withstood attacks from many critics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of us are quick to realize the challenges, such as the difficulty of finding a couch for less than $500 or the fact that IKEA cabinets may not withstand the test of time. —Tiana Randall, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2024

But the Lynx managed to slow down Sabrina Ionescu’s hot first-half start and withstand Breanna Stewart’s own 9-0 run in the fourth en route to dethroning the defending Commissioner’s Cup Champions, 94-89, Tuesday night. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 26 June 2024

Using a woven pattern to link its nine layers of textiles, the matrix is robust enough to withstand a meteor shower but amply versatile for astronauts on board to repair holes in the surface by 3D-printing a patch of material. —Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 25 June 2024

In 2021, Nantucket adopted a coastal resiliency plan (CRP) outlining projects totaling almost $1 billion that would help the island withstand some of the fallout from erosion and sea-level rise. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood -ˈstu̇d  ; withstanding

: to stand against : resist

especially : to oppose successfully