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

The private-equity firm said it has found that an ability to withstand change and evolve is a key quality among the top-performing leaders at its portfolio companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"They combine data from sensors, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and 3D building models to produce smooth position estimates that can withstand errors caused by reflections," Mohamadi said.

Read more on Science Daily

No matter what unfolds, your adviser has crafted a financial plan to withstand any and all scenarios.

Read more on MarketWatch

One big cost emerged when Belgium’s nuclear regulator said the Tihange reactor would probably need to be reinforced to withstand a direct hit from big jets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Short answer: better than feared, but worse than we need. All signs point to a world economy that has generally withstood acute strains from multiple shocks.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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