withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood with-ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio)
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 landingCurrent Biography
2
archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of
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 In early January, Ukrainian officials said that lower-altitude air-defense systems around Kyiv could withstand only a few more large attacks. Dara Massicot, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024 And ahead of his second professional boxing fight, Ngannou is confident of victory against Joshua, also questioning his opponent’s ability to withstand his power. Ben Morse, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 The State Department wants to make sure the global semiconductor industry can withstand shocks and has tapped Arizona State University for help. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Its steel and wicker construction can withstand all weather conditions, and the plush seat cushions are made with a fade-resistant fabric. Bridget Degnan, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024 The bulbs are made of shatter-resistant plastic that can withstand all sorts of weather. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 The tardigrades would have to withstand a lack of water as well as temperatures ranging from -170 to -190°C during the lunar night and 100 to 120°C during the day. Laurent Palka, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 But Take Note Crafted with birchwood and steel, this metal-runner sled is almost impossible to break and can withstand below-freezing temperatures with ease. Heather Balogh Rochfort, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 Leave a comment View Comments Kohl has withstood the test of time, enduring eras of profound upheaval, including wars, colonialism, occupation, the rise and fall of empires, natural disasters, and significant cultural shifts. Zahra Hankir, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'withstand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of withstand was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near withstand

Cite this Entry

“Withstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withstand. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

withstand

verb
with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood -ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio) ; withstanding
: to stand against : resist
especially : to oppose successfully

More from Merriam-Webster on withstand

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