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

The overhaul would have required the largest banks to increase their cushion of capital — cash and other readily available assets that could be used to absorb losses in times of trouble — which Mr. Barr said would ensure banks could withstand periods of severe turmoil. —Deborah B. Solomon, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025

How does a team with so many injuries withstand every single one of them on its way to a second straight NFC North championship and the first No. 1 playoff seed in team history? —Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

They are typically made from heat-resistant nylon resin or a similar material designed to withstand cooking temperatures. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025

Reclining and pull-out sofas have lower weight capacities and may not withstand the wear and tear of your household to the same degree as a traditional couch. —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025

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