withstand
- to stand or hold out against; resist or oppose, especially successfully: to withstand rust; to withstand the invaders; to withstand temptation.
- to stand in opposition; resist.
Origin of withstand
Synonyms for withstand
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for withstand
combat, repel, defy, cope, tolerate, resist, weather, thwart, suffer, buck, duel, brave, violate, stick, contest, confront, traverse, fight, dispute, opposeExamples from the Web for withstand
Contemporary Examples of withstand
People with ID may be less able to withstand this sort of interview technique.
The gaming industry can withstand a critical look, but it can and must also withstand some diversity in its ranks.
He noted that none of the militaries of the former Soviet republics could withstand a full-scale Russian invasion.
Six months of the highest dose of chemotherapy his body could withstand and, after that, nothing but hope.
(Branch) Rickey selected Jackie because he knew he could withstand the guff.
Historical Examples of withstand
It required all the captain's seamanship, and the efforts of all the crew, to withstand it.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
He was just in time to help other troops, not in numbers enough to withstand the shock.
The Rock of ChickamaugaJoseph A. Altsheler
He dreaded lest his principles should not withstand the strong temptation.
Tales And Novels, Volume 9 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
He was weak and soft-hearted, and had never been able to withstand a woman's tears.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
This time the impact was so great the door could not withstand it, and down it came with a thud.
The Dare Boys of 1776Stephen Angus Cox
withstand
- (tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist
- (intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition
Word Origin and History for withstand
Old English wiðstandan, from wið "against" (see with) + standan "to stand" (see stand (v.)); perhaps a loan-translation of Latin resistere "to resist" (see resist). Cf. Old Norse viðstanda, Old Frisian withstonda, Old High German widarstan. In 14c. and early 15c., withsit was in use with the same meaning. Related: Withstood; withstanding.