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

Among her partners is Build Change, which specializes in creating housing that can withstand natural disasters in the developing world. —Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 17 Jan. 2025

The girls must navigate their new dynamics — and see if their friendship can withstand it all. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025

She was built to sway back and forth to withstand the fury of stormy weather, to stand the test of time because storms are always coming. —The New York Times, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

This bundle offers four durable, high-quality vape pens that are designed for daily use and can withstand accidental drops. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 15 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