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

Built with a high-strength steel casing, it is engineered to withstand impacts from dense materials before detonating. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

Succulents are known for being low-maintenance plants that can withstand periods of drought. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026

Data from these sensors feeds into software designed not only to identify threats but also to remain resilient and secure enough to to withstand cyber-interference. —David Szondy february 15, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026

But, the fake facial hair had to be strong enough to withstand the strong wind and rain planned for the production, so Fennell tested Miller’s handiwork before filming began. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Feb. 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