withstand

[with-stand, with-]

verb (used with object)

withstood, withstanding 

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)

withstood, withstanding 

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

Other Word Forms

• withstander noun
• withstandingness noun
• unwithstanding adjective
• unwithstood 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

“We are confident that the claims we have filed are valid and will withstand judicial scrutiny.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Plus, we believe in what we have built and that it should be able to withstand the weather."

From BBC

But for deep frying something like chips or battered fish, vegetable or sunflower oil is best as they withstand higher temperatures without breaking down.

From BBC

“We’re going to be extorted, and our economy is going to suffer for that, and we’re going to have to withstand that,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

They are fitted with missile defence and radar jamming systems as well as electronics designed to withstand the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear blast.

From BBC

Related Words

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