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

Many new towers are constructed to withstand Category 5 conditions. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025

Tantalum is extremely robust and withstands the harshest cleaning processes to remove contamination during fabrication. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

Not only are these Harssidanzar Leather Gloves built to withstand freezing-cold climates with their windproof surface, supremely soft lining, and flexible leather, but the sleek red exterior is made to pop against your monochromatic cold-weather outfit for a cool-girl look without even trying. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2025

Furthermore, the house is crafted from resilient steel and can withstand any weather, regardless of the season. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 15 Dec. 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