1 withstand | Definition of withstand
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withstand

verb
with·​stand | \ with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio) , witÍŸh-\
withstood\ with-​ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstood (audio) , witÍŸh-​ \; withstanding

Definition of withstand

transitive verb

1a : 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about withstand

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, NASA moved a 380-foot-high mobile launch platform to the safety of the colossal Vehicle Assembly Building, built to withstand 125 mph (200 kph) wind. — Washington Post, "Dorian becomes a Category 4 monster powering toward Florida," 31 Aug. 2019 The fossil also shows the beginning of the massive and robust faces found in Australopithecus, built to withstand strains from chewing tough food, researchers said. — Fox News, "Secrets of 'Lucy' ancestor revealed in 'remarkably complete,' 3.8-million-year-old skull," 29 Aug. 2019 The attraction is already tethered to a strong foundation with eight thick columns that are part of The Wheel, which was built to withstand strong winds. — Marco Santana, orlandosentinel.com, "Hurricane Dorian: How crews will stop 400-foot-tall The Wheel from rolling away," 29 Aug. 2019 The fossil also shows the beginning of the massive and robust faces found in Australopithecus, built to withstand strains from chewing tough food, researchers said. — Malcolm Ritter, Los Angeles Times, "3.8-million-year-old fossil reveals face of Lucy’s ancestors," 28 Aug. 2019 The fossil also shows the beginning of the massive and robust faces found in Australopithecus, built to withstand strains from chewing tough food, researchers said. — NBC News, "New fossil reveals face of 'Lucy' ancestor who lived almost 4 million years ago," 28 Aug. 2019 Humpback jaws are incredibly strong, built to withstand the immense force of rushing water during feeding. — Sarah Keartes, National Geographic, "How a humpback whale ended up with a sea lion in its mouth," 30 July 2019 These at-home nail kits are built to withstand as many as six reapplications. — Jessica Ourisman, Good Housekeeping, "Everything You Need to Know About Static Nails," 24 July 2019 The name 6 Trees comes from the six pillars that support the house, which is built on a hillside to withstand drastic weather changes. — Kelli Williams, The Denver Post, "Own a home at the base of Grays Peak, a retreat in the middle of Arapaho National Forest," 11 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'withstand.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of withstand

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for withstand

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

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More Definitions for withstand

withstand

verb
How to pronounce withstand (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of withstand

: to not be harmed or affected by (something)
: to deal with (something, such as an attack or criticism) successfully

See the full definition for withstand in the English Language Learners Dictionary

withstand

verb
with·​stand | \ with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio) , witÍŸh-\
withstood\ -​ˈstu̇d \; withstanding

Kids Definition of withstand

1 : to hold out against This house is able to withstand the worst weather.
2 : to oppose (as an attack) successfully

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More from Merriam-Webster on withstand

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with withstand

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for withstand

Spanish Central: Translation of withstand

Nglish: Translation of withstand for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of withstand for Arabic Speakers

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