verb

withstand

/wɪðˈstænd/ · say it: with·STAND

to remain undamaged despite pressure

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to remain strong or unaffected when faced with something difficult or harmful; to resist

2. (verb) to endure or survive something without being destroyed or damaged

Examples

1. The building was designed to withstand earthquakes.
2. These plants can withstand extreme heat and drought.

How to use withstand

Withstand means to resist or endure without breaking or being overcome, often used when something faces external pressure, criticism, or difficult conditions. It suggests strength and resilience rather than mere passive acceptance, and commonly appears in formal or technical writing, particularly in phrases like 'withstand scrutiny' or 'withstand harsh weather.'

Common phrases

withstand pressure
withstand scrutiny
withstand the test of time
withstand harsh conditions
withstand attack

Synonyms

resist · endure · bear · tolerate · weather

Opposites

surrender · yield · collapse

Word family

withstanding (present participle) · withstood (past tense)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse withstand with understand due to superficial similarity; also, some use it with a passive construction ('be withstood') when the active voice is standard.

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