withstand

[ with-stand, with- ]

/ wɪθˈstænd, wɪð- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR withstand ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), with·stood, with·stand·ing.

to stand or hold out against; resist or oppose, especially successfully: to withstand rust; to withstand the invaders; to withstand temptation.

verb (used without object), with·stood, with·stand·ing.

to stand in opposition; resist.

Nearby words

Origin of withstand

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

SYNONYMS FOR withstand

1. confront, face. See oppose.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR withstand ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formswith·stand·er, nounwith·stand·ing·ness, nounun·with·stand·ing, adjectiveun·with·stood, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for withstanding

But withstanding political pressure is going to be the least of your problems.
Why Not Make Social Security Benefits Even More Generous|Megan McArdle|March 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Your bold brand of charisma not withstanding, staid types might see outsized expressions of your personality as character defects.
Horoscopes: May 29-June 4, 2011|Starsky + Cox|May 28, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Now nuclear power-station designs and safety systems are capable of withstanding much more serious accidents [than Chernobyl].
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But business and branding aside, the event seemed to be a familiar gathering, cocktail dresses not withstanding.
Chic Geeks|Lauren Streib|June 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST

Few men that are good sons and good brothers are fond of withstanding those over them.
The Sayings Of Confucius|Confucius
It was glorious to see these lads of fifteen and sixteen daily withstanding the onslaught of the mighty naval guns.
With Steyn and De Wet|Philip Pienaar
Colin prepares for his undertaking, and exhibits great stubbornness of temper in withstanding many difficulties.
Colin Clink, Volume II (of III)|Charles Hooton
He saw that in confederation lay the means not only of preserving peace among his people, but of withstanding alien foes as well.
The Myths of the North American Indians|Lewis Spence
There was no withstanding public opinion, an infuriated rabble, and a magnanimous wife at the same time.
Ixion In Heaven|Benjamin Disraeli

British Dictionary definitions for withstanding

withstand

/ (wɪðˈstænd) /

verb -stands, -standing or -stood

(tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist

(intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition

Derived Formswithstander, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

withstand

verb (used with object), with·stood, with·stand·ing.

verb (used without object), with·stood, with·stand·ing.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of withstand

Examples from the Web for withstanding

withstand

verb -stands, -standing or -stood

withstand