withstand
verb (used with object)
to stand or hold out against; resist or oppose, especially successfully: to withstand the invaders;
had withstood
-
past perfectof withstand.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Navier-Stokes problem, which deals with complex fluid dynamics, had withstood the assaults of mathematicians for almost two centuries.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
David went on to say how proud he was, and "so in awe of my children and the way they've turned out" - making the point that his family had withstood the pressures of fame.
From BBC ● Jan. 20, 2026
Irglová wondered if the strength of their creative connection had withstood the intervening years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2025
"I realized that well-preserved fossils in concretions had withstood weathering and the like for tens to hundreds of thousands of years in the natural environment," Yoshida said.
From Science Daily ● May 22, 2024
“That might work,” Tad said, walking over to examine the table with Z. The chemistry desks had withstood a bunch of explosions, and they were still standing.
From "Time Bomb" by Joelle Charbonneau
