Withstand: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：endure and resist (withstand)

withstand 🔊

/wɪðˈstænd/

vt.

To be strong enough to not be broken or harmed by something tough, like bad weather, pressure, or a strong force.

Illustration of withstand: A resilient tree firmly rooted, resisting a powerful storm.

endure and resist 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈdʊər ænd rɪˈzɪst/

vt.

To successfully resist, hold out against, or endure a force, pressure, or difficult condition without being damaged or giving way.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'wiþ-' (against) + 'standan' (to stand). Literally 'to stand against'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine you must WITHstand (WITH someone who can STAND) against a strong force without falling.

📖 Example

This new hiking tent is designed to withstand even the strongest mountain storms. 🔊 This new hiking tent is designed to endure and resist even the strongest mountain storms.

🔗 Collocations

withstand pressure – to resist or endure force or stress

withstand the test of time – to remain strong, popular, or effective over a long period

withstand an attack – to resist or survive a hostile assault or criticism

🔄 Synonyms

endure (v.) – to suffer or undergo something difficult patiently

tolerate (v.) – to allow or endure something unpleasant without interference

resist (v.) – to actively try to stop or prevent something

🚫 Antonyms

succumb (v.) – to fail to resist pressure, temptation, or illness

yield (v.) – to give way under pressure; to surrender

🌱 Derivatives

withstanding (adj./n.) – the act or capacity of resisting

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from Old English 'wiþstandan'. It is frequently used in engineering and material science contexts, such as testing if a material can 'withstand' certain forces or environmental conditions, reflecting its core meaning of resilience.