withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood with-ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio)
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 landingCurrent Biography
2
archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of
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 Firm rice boasts a particularly strong constitution, able to withstand travel and/or being jostled around in a bag. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 23 Mar. 2024 The Wildcats are quicker, craftier and tougher than the version that couldn’t keep pace with Houston or withstand a second-half onslaught by mighty Princeton. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 The fabric is lightweight yet very durable and can withstand more than 255 wash cycles (equating to over seven years of regular use), according to a third-party tester. Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 16 Mar. 2024 The rugged two-square-mile island has hundreds of Cold War-era bunkers and tunnels designed to withstand nuclear attack and has been largely vacant since the end of the Soviet Union. Maggie Haberman, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Alive once more, he’s imbued with supernatural powers and can withstand gunshots, shotgun blasts and stabbings. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete and motivational speaker, is well-known for his ability to withstand the cold. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 The opener is made of plastic and metal and is durable enough to withstand the most stubborn of stuck lids. Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 In early January, Ukrainian officials said that lower-altitude air-defense systems around Kyiv could withstand only a few more large attacks. Dara Massicot, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'withstand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of withstand was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near withstand

Cite this Entry

“Withstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withstand. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

withstand

verb
with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood -ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio) ; withstanding
: to stand against : resist
especially : to oppose successfully

More from Merriam-Webster on withstand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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