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

Risk Tolerance : Investors need emotional resilience and a time horizon to withstand further potential volatility or drawdowns before the recovery. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024

Its heat shield has been designed to withstand temperatures of about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit while facing the sun at its closest approach, according to NASA. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024

Bitcoin relies on cryptography, including the SHA-256 algorithm, which is secure enough to withstand any brute-force attack by traditional computers. —Nimrod Lehavi, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Staying the course Previous Florida coaches failed to withstand the internal doubts, outside pressure and outsized expectations. —Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 19 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