withstand

American  

[with-stand, with-] / wɪθˈstænd, wɪð- /

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

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verb (used without object)

withstood, withstanding

1. to stand in opposition; resist.

withstand British  

/ wɪðˈstænd /

verb

1. (tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist

2. (intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition

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Related Words

See oppose.

Other Word Forms

• unwithstanding adjective
• unwithstood adjective
• withstander noun
• withstandingness noun

Etymology

Origin of withstand

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

Example Sentences

Because of this, they are better able to withstand gravitational tidal disruption, making them dependable tracers of faint and ghostly galaxies like CDG-2.

From Science Daily

The wider questions, however, surround Arsenal's temperament to withstand the pressure that is suddenly closing in on them, an ominous reminder of previous failings.

From BBC

The former Northeastern sensation, Keller’s teammate in the PWHL, once considered too small for serious hockey, withstanding everything Canada had to give.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dr. Chen said the findings will support the development of commercial banana varieties that can withstand Fusarium wilt.

From Science Daily

See also: Here are some attractive stocks that can withstand AI disruption, according to J.P.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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