withstand

[ with-stand, with- ]
/ wɪθˈstænd, wɪð- /

verb (used with object), with·stood, with·stand·ing.

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), with·stood, with·stand·ing.

to stand in opposition; resist.

Origin of withstand

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

OTHER WORDS FROM withstand

with·stand·er, noun with·stand·ing·ness, noun un·with·stand·ing, adjective un·with·stood, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for withstand

British Dictionary definitions for withstand

withstand
/ (wɪðˈstænd) /

verb -stands, -standing or -stood

(tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist
(intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition

Derived forms of withstand

withstander, noun