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

But above the ruins, perched in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, a 35-foot-tall structure made of bright lights and giant metal crossbeams had withstood the flames spread by the Santa Ana winds. —Cheri Mossburg, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

The company also states that the design is capable of withstanding harsh operational conditions. —Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025

The contemporary seating is crafted from rust-proof aluminum to withstand any weather. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025

Now sitting at under $150 and built with the same warm, faux-shearling lining as the Oca Low Therma sneakers, the Ibira Nubuck Boot is built to withstand icy conditions and freezing temperatures. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 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