withstand
/wɪðˈstænd/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: withstands · withstanding · withstood
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To resist or endure (something) successfully.
Verb
Examples
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.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To oppose (something) forcefully.
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “withstand” mean?
To resist or endure (something) successfully.
Is “withstand” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.