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 withstanding
combat, repel, defy, cope, tolerate, resist, weather, thwart, suffer, buck, duel, brave, violate, stick, contest, confront, traverse, fight, dispute, opposeExamples from the Web for withstanding
Contemporary Examples of withstanding
But withstanding political pressure is going to be the least of your problems.
Your bold brand of charisma not withstanding, staid types might see outsized expressions of your personality as character defects.
Now nuclear power-station designs and safety systems are capable of withstanding much more serious accidents [than Chernobyl].
But business and branding aside, the event seemed to be a familiar gathering, cocktail dresses not withstanding.
Historical Examples of withstanding
Thou art a strange creature, said she; there is no withstanding thee.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
It is not nearly so capable of withstanding drouth as Rupestris.
Manual of American Grape-GrowingU. P. Hedrick
In no extremity are we justified in withstanding him by force.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.Thomas Babington Macaulay
It is a witchery of social czarship which there is no withstanding.
Moby Dick; or The WhaleHerman Melville
In that case there will be some chance of withstanding their attack.
The Lone RancheCaptain Mayne Reid
withstand
- (tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist
- (intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition
Word Origin and History for withstanding
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.