withstand

[with-stand, with-] /wɪθˈstænd, wɪð-/
verb (used with object), withstood, withstanding.
1.
to stand or hold out against; resist or oppose, especially successfully:
to withstand rust; to withstand the invaders; to withstand temptation.
verb (used without object), withstood, withstanding.
2.
to stand in opposition; resist.
Origin
before 900; Middle English withstanden, Old English withstandan (see with-, stand); cognate with Old Norse vithstanda; akin to German widerstehen
Related forms
withstander, noun
withstandingness, noun
unwithstanding, adjective
unwithstood, adjective
Synonyms
1. confront, face. See oppose.
Examples from the web for withstand
  • It should bear its own health warning: so sugary that you may need an insulin shot to withstand it.
  • First, build long-term relationships that can withstand disagreement.
  • Designing buildings that can withstand such hazards is an age-old art.
  • All need good drainage, can withstand dry conditions and severe frosts.
  • The best candidates will probably contain ceramics, which are valued for their ability to withstand high temperatures.
  • It would appear to me that these folks did not believe their research would withstand scrutiny.
  • The index seeks to measure a country's ability to withstand crises and to avoid generating them.
  • Designed to withstand the rigors of serious adventure travel.
  • Getting algae that are really robust and can withstand true industrial conditions on a commercial basis.
  • It thrives in moist conditions but can withstand considerable drought.
British Dictionary definitions for withstand

withstand

/wɪðˈstænd/
verb -stands, -standing, -stood
1.
(transitive) to stand up to forcefully; resist
2.
(intransitive) to remain firm in endurance or opposition
Derived Forms
withstander, noun
Word Origin and History for withstand
v.

Old English wiðstandan, from wið "against" (see with) + standan "to stand" (see stand (v.)); perhaps a loan-translation of Latin resistere "to resist" (see resist). Cf. Old Norse viðstanda, Old Frisian withstonda, Old High German widarstan. In 14c. and early 15c., withsit was in use with the same meaning. Related: Withstood; withstanding.