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 garage is great for things that are made to withstand the outdoors, like gardening supplies, patio furniture and decor, outdoor toys, camping gear, tools, bikes, and sports equipment. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025

Every sensor and circuit must withstand the wear and tear of constant deployment, because lives might depend not on a single success but on predictable excellence day after day. —Divyaditya Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The system is engineered to withstand winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, according to Dongfang. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025

Seed diversity is the backbone of a resilient food system, providing the genetic range needed to withstand pests, disease and shifting climates. —Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 2 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