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

without fail, without further ado, without question, without so much as, withoutdoors, withstand, withy, withywind, witigo, witless, witling

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 forms

with·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 withstood

He was offered a job as literary editor of Commonweal, but “withstood the temptation.”
A Plot Against Living: J.F. Powers’s ‘Suitable Accommodations’|D. G. Myers|August 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The Christian Coalition has withstood similar attacks from groups like Freedomworks.
The Tea Party's Corporate Ally|Benjamin Sarlin|September 11, 2010|DAILY BEAST
When we arrived there on foot, I thought at first that the house had withstood the quake.
What I Saw in Haiti|Buck Close|January 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST
There was no room to budge but we were all anxious to get to the Provincial House and find out how it had withstood the quake.
What I Saw in Haiti|Buck Close|January 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST

When we finally arrived at the Provincial House, we saw that it had withstood the quake.
What I Saw in Haiti|Buck Close|January 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST
But the drift of public opinion was too strong to be withstood.
History of the English People, Volume VI (of 8)|John Richard Green
The Southern masses attacked once more with frightful violence, and once more Thomas withstood them.
The Rock of Chickamauga|Joseph A. Altsheler
This mutilated figure, which withstood the great fire of London, is still preserved in the crypt of the present cathedral.
Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 (of 3)|Isaac Disraeli
If he withstood the King, went on the Kings ward, it was for his honour and for mine.
By order of the company|Mary Johnston
The argument by which this course is withstood, goes upon a false assumption.
Speech of Mr. Cushing, of Massachusetts, on the Right of Petition,|Caleb Cushing

British Dictionary definitions for withstood

withstand

/ (wɪðˈstænd) /

verb -stands, -standing or -stood

(tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist

(intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition

Derived Forms

withstander, 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

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

SYNONYMS FOR withstand

Related forms

Examples from the Web for withstood

British Dictionary definitions for withstood

withstand

verb -stands, -standing or -stood

Derived Forms