withstand

[ with-stand, with- ]

/ wɪθˈstænd, wɪð- /

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See synonyms for: withstand / withstanding / withstands / withstood 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.

OTHER WORDS FOR withstand

1 confront, face.

See synonyms for withstand on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of withstand

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

synonym study for withstand

1. See oppose.

OTHER WORDS FROM withstand

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. 2023

How to use withstand in a sentence

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
Firstly, the API withstood the turmoil of the “Arab Spring,” and was ratified twice in its last two summits in Baghdad and Doha.
The Arab Peace Initiative Makes Its Way to the Knesset|Tal Harris|May 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
But he withstood my eight years in the White House, so we know how to make the most of our time.
Hillary Deploys a Friend in the Fight for Women's Rights|Sandra McElwaine|March 12, 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
I called you, daughter, because Gus withstood me out and out about Heaven doth with us as we 132 with torches do.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
Stuart withstood the surprise attack very well and did not retreat in a panic, as might have been expected.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
He was, however, so scientifically and securely built, that he withstood all the rough usage he received.
Digby Heathcote|W.H.G. Kingston
A fragment of wall, that had withstood the ravages made by the war in the adjoining fences of wood, fortunately crossed his path.
The Spy|J. Fenimore Cooper
The Engagement then grew desperate, for they on either Side fired in amain, whilst we withstood their Force.
The City Bride (1696)|Joseph Harris

British Dictionary definitions for withstand

withstand

/ (wɪðˈstænd) /

verb -stands, -standing or -stood

(tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist

(intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition

Derived forms of withstand

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

OTHER WORDS FOR withstand

Origin of withstand

synonym study for withstand

OTHER WORDS FROM withstand

Words related to withstand

How to use withstand in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for withstand

Derived forms of withstand