withstand

[ with-stand, with- ]

verb (used with object)

, with·stood, with·stand·ing.

1. to stand or hold out against; resist or oppose, especially successfully: to withstand the invaders;

   to withstand rust;

   to withstand the invaders;

   to withstand temptation.

   Synonyms: face, confront

verb (used without object)

, with·stood, with·stand·ing.

1. to stand in opposition; resist.

withstand

/ wɪðˈstænd /

verb

1. tr to stand up to forcefully; resist
2. intr to remain firm in endurance or opposition

Derived Forms

• withˈstander, noun

Other Words From

• with·stander noun
• with·standing·ness noun
• unwith·standing adjective
• unwith·stood adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of withstand¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English withstanden, Old English withstandan ( with-, stand ); cognate with Old Norse vithstanda; akin to German widerstehen

Synonym Study

See oppose.

Example Sentences

The bromance between Musk and Trump has spawned clever memes about how long the relationship can withstand both men’s desire to be in charge.

From Los Angeles Times

This is just one of innumerous examples of how synthetics are the wave of the future: anyone cyber-savvy enough can acquire the equipment and ingredients, which are easier to hide and can better withstand the local weather than a coca crop or a poppy plantation, effectively democratizing the drug trade away from Mafia-esque syndicates.

From Salon

When Trump put out an early loyalty test for the three candidates—insisting that they allow recess appointments for Trump nominees, allowing them to withstand Senate scrutiny—Scott, after all, was the only candidate who concurred in full, while the others left it open as a possibility.

From Slate

California farmers are allocating more land to grow pistachios, which are proving to be a lucrative crop that can withstand the state’s drought conditions, the Associated Press reported Sunday.

From Salon

I’ve enjoyed stripping the songs back down to the bare bones and enjoyed that they’re still sturdy enough to withstand that kind of stripping away.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combat
• cope
• defy
• hold off
• repel
• resist
• ride out
• suffer
• thwart
• tolerate
• weather