withstand

[ with-stand, with- ]

verb (used with object)

, with·stood, with·stand·ing.

1. to stand or hold out against; resist or oppose, especially successfully: to withstand the invaders;

   to withstand rust;

   to withstand the invaders;

   to withstand temptation.

   Synonyms: face, confront

verb (used without object)

, with·stood, with·stand·ing.

1. to stand in opposition; resist.

withstand

/ wɪðˈstænd /

verb

1. tr to stand up to forcefully; resist
2. intr to remain firm in endurance or opposition

Derived Forms

• withˈstander, noun

Other Words From

• with·stander noun
• with·standing·ness noun
• unwith·standing adjective
• unwith·stood adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of withstand¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English withstanden, Old English withstandan ( with-, stand ); cognate with Old Norse vithstanda; akin to German widerstehen

Synonym Study

See oppose.

Example Sentences

People with ID may be less able to withstand this sort of interview technique.

From The Daily Beast

How many of us could really withstand a similar side-by-side comparison of our face now with what it looked like a decade ago?

From The Daily Beast

The gaming industry can withstand a critical look, but it can and must also withstand some diversity in its ranks.

From The Daily Beast

He noted that none of the militaries of the former Soviet republics could withstand a full-scale Russian invasion.

From The Daily Beast

Six months of the highest dose of chemotherapy his body could withstand and, after that, nothing but hope.

From The Daily Beast

Were I a man, and had I your shape and face, there is no woman in the world should withstand me if I set my heart on her.

From Project Gutenberg

It is easy to perceive that firm-set rock cliffs, with no beaches at their bases, can almost indefinitely withstand the assaults.

From Project Gutenberg

Valmond was in the grasp of a giant, and, struggle as he might, he could not withstand the powerful arms of his assailant.

From Project Gutenberg

The amount of disturbance which the wreck would have to withstand would necessarily distress it, perhaps beyond its strength.

From Project Gutenberg

He accomplished whatever he attempted—nothing could withstand his ant-like perseverance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• combat
• cope
• defy
• hold off
• repel
• resist
• ride out
• suffer
• thwart
• tolerate
• weather