withstand

[ with-stand, with- ]

verb (used with object)

withstood, withstanding.

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)

withstood, withstanding.

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 Word Forms

• 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

“Unlike the Suez Canal incident, the Estonian power grid was resilient, able to withstand an unexpected blow,” Klaas notes.

From Salon

Scripps and Fox Television Stations say part of the answer has to be consolidation, which would allow them to better withstand the competition from huge tech firms.

From Los Angeles Times

There are better outcomes for the business that come along with organizational justice, but profit is not the key driver, resulting in a commitment that can withstand changes in public opinion.

From Salon

It largely came courtesy of Gardiner’s making all three three-pointers she took in the second quarter, helping the Bruins withstand playing the entire quarter without Betts because of foul trouble.

From Los Angeles Times

Prior to 2009, Bangkok did not have a comprehensive safety standard for constructing buildings to withstand earthquakes, according to Dr Christian Málaga-Chuquitaype, a senior lecturer in earthquake engineering at Imperial College London.

From BBC

Related Words

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