verb
Uncommon
withstand
wihth-STAND
Withstand (verb) means to resist or hold up successfully against pressure, force, or attack. Example: “The bridge was built to withstand strong earthquakes.”
verb
1
To resist or hold up successfully against pressure, force, or attack.
"Some old, underfired clay pantiles might be damaged by button mosses rooting in cracks and fissures. But most post-war tiles are hard enough to withstand a bit of moss growth."
— Jeff Howell (2014)
"The bridge was built to withstand strong earthquakes."
"She withstood the harsh criticism without losing confidence."
"These tough boots can withstand rain, mud and years of daily use."
"Tests showed that a tin ceiling could withstand a temperature of 1,369° for an hour and 10 minutes, whereas plaster collapsed in 12 minutes."
— Robert M. Jones, editor, Walls and Ceilings (1980)
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- withstands
- Past tense
- withstood
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Can you complete this real example?
The bridge was built to _____ strong earthquakes.
Etymology
From Old English wiþstandan, formed from with- (meaning "against") plus stand.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “withstand” mean?
The word “withstand” means to resist or hold up successfully against pressure, force, or attack. In plain terms, to hold firm and resist something difficult or damaging.
How do you pronounce “withstand”?
“Withstand” is pronounced wihth-STAND (/wɪðˈstænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “withstand” in a sentence?
Here is “withstand” used in a sentence: “The bridge was built to withstand strong earthquakes.”
What part of speech is “withstand”?
“Withstand” is a verb.
Where does the word “withstand” come from?
The word “withstand” comes from Old English. From Old English wiþstandan, formed from with- (meaning "against") plus stand.
Is “withstand” a common word?
“Withstand” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "withstand" and "resist"?
"Withstand" generally implies successfully enduring or holding up against pressure, force, or damage over time, while "resist" can simply mean opposing or fighting against something without necessarily succeeding. You can resist an attack and still lose, but to withstand it implies you came through it intact.
Is it correct to say "withstand against" something?
No, "withstand" is a transitive verb that takes a direct object without a preposition, as in "withstand the pressure," not "withstand against the pressure." Adding "against" is a common mistake and should be avoided in standard English.
What is the difference between "withstand" and "sustain"?
"Withstand" describes successfully holding up against force or pressure without giving way, while "sustain" often describes experiencing or undergoing something, such as damage or injury, regardless of the outcome. A structure can sustain damage in a storm yet still withstand the storm overall if it remains standing.
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