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

Just as cybercriminals continue to refine their attack techniques, organizations need to adopt new identity verification measures designed to withstand social engineering. —Michael Engle, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Some can withstand strong winds, while others crumble under the slightest of breezes. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024

But after a long and grueling 24 hours with no baby, Bowman had exhausted all her methods to withstand the pain and made the decision to transfer to the hospital. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

The stoneware is scratch-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 2 Dec. 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