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

Custom spline shafts—designed to mate the Ferrari crankshaft to a Motus MSTR six-speed sequential transmission—were tested, broken, and remade to withstand the demands of a high-revving V-8. —Eric Hendrikx, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026

The rafts have to be able to withstand exposure for 30 days, according to a code put out by the International Maritime Organization. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

State statute says homes in the Lincolnton area must withstand winds up to 105 mph. —Joe Marusak april 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026

To keep the parts from breaking, researchers are fine-tuning the metal to withstand constant stretching and squeezing. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 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