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 of withstand

• 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

Lawson has withstood a decades-long vivisection of her body and sexuality. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026

Its airframe is built largely from titanium and titanium alloys to withstand the extreme temperatures generated during sustained high-speed flight. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

It’s built with military-grade grit and made to withstand several MIL-STD-810H tests, which expose it to drops, vibrations, humidity, and even extreme temperatures. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

The disconnect is raising questions about how long stocks can withstand the impact of higher bond yields and oil prices. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

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