withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood with-ˈstu̇d 

wit͟h-

; withstanding

transitive verb

1

a

: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination

especially : to resist successfully

b

: to be proof against : resist the effect of

withstand the impact of a landing

—Current Biography

2

archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of

Synonyms

• resist
• oppose

Choose the Right Synonym for withstand

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

cookware that can withstand high temperatures

I couldn't withstand the rigors of army life.

They withstood attacks from many critics.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Ukrainian president said his forces should be supported with weapons and financial assistance that goes into weapons production to withstand two more Russian offensive campaigns. —Brendan Cole john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025

Similar to the folding option above, but with a looser weave designed to withstand the elements, Hati Home’s Bali lounger is an outdoor-ready safari chair option. —Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025

Make sure your selection is hardy enough to withstand the elements so this autumn decorating idea lasts through the season. —Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for withstand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood -ˈstu̇d  ; withstanding

: to stand against : resist

especially : to oppose successfully