verb
withstand
wihth-STAND
verb
1
To resist or hold up successfully against pressure, force, or attack.
"The bridge was built to withstand strong earthquakes."
"She withstood the harsh criticism without losing confidence."
How to Use Withstand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold firm and resist something difficult or damaging.
Common pairings
withstand pressure
withstand the test of time
withstand an attack
Word Forms
withstood past tense, withstands singular
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The bridge was built to _____ strong earthquakes.
Etymology
From Old English wiþstandan, formed from with- (meaning "against") plus stand.