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

Retirees have less wiggle room to weather volatility than younger investors, and it’s important to make sure your portfolio can withstand the bumps.

Read more on Barron's

We’re leaping over gigantic roots, sidestepping trees, sliding under low branches, and withstanding the wind … all while laughing.

Read more on Literature

Made of English oak, they were designed to be strong enough to withstand the weight and recoil of heavy guns and thousands of pounds of shells and explosives.

Read more on Literature

Bahrami noted that tantalum stands out because it is extremely durable and can withstand the harsh cleaning used to remove contamination during fabrication.

Read more on Science Daily

“There’s a question of, ‘If stand-your-ground is invoked, can we withstand it without calling the defendant to testify, with our evidence, before we ever get to a jury?’” she said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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