# withstand

/wɪθˈstænd/ (US) · /wɪðstˈænd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/withstand
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to endure or resist

verb · CEFR B2

to be strong enough to remain undamaged by something like heat, pressure, or a physical attack.

For teachers: to resist or endure a physical or environmental force successfully without collapsing or yielding.

- The old bridge was built to withstand even the strongest winter floods.
- Modern skyscrapers are engineered to withstand significant seismic activity, using flexible foundations to absorb the energy of an earthquake.

Usage: This is a transitive verb; you withstand a force or a condition directly without using a preposition like 'against'.

### 2. to oppose or hold out

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to successfully resist someone's power, an argument, or a temptation.

For teachers: to maintain one's position against abstract pressure, such as criticism, temptation, or legal challenges.

- She had to withstand a lot of pressure from her family to change her mind.
- The witness managed to withstand a grueling cross-examination without contradicting her original statement.

Usage: Often used in formal contexts regarding legal, political, or psychological pressure.

## Examples

- The old bridge can withstand heavy winds.
- These specialized hiking boots are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and rough mountain terrain.
- The legal team doubted whether the witness's testimony could withstand a rigorous cross-examination by the defense attorney.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.