withstand
gb/wɪθstˈænd/ us/wɪθstˈænd/
B2
English
~ 8800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
remain unharmed under force or stress
To be strong enough not to break or be harmed when something hard or heavy happens to you or hits you.
Usage pattern:
to withstand [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes add a preposition and say *"withstand to"* or *"withstand against"*. The verb is used directly with an object: "withstand pressure", not *"withstand to pressure"* or *"withstand against pressure"*. Another confusion is with "understand" because the words look similar, but the meanings are completely different.
Synonyms
resist (A broad, common verb; can be physical or non-physical, while "withstand" often suggests being strong enough not to be changed or damaged.)
|
endure (Stresses lasting through something difficult; often includes discomfort or pain more than physical strength.)
|
stand up to (More informal and phrasal; often used both for physical force and authority, slightly less formal than "withstand".)
Antonyms
give way (Describes something collapsing or breaking when it cannot withstand weight or pressure.)
|
succumb (Means to fail or be defeated under pressure or force, the opposite of remaining strong.)
Collocations
withstand pressure
|withstand heat
|withstand high temperatures
|withstand impact
|withstand wear and tear
|withstand earthquakes
Themes
daily life
|science
|engineering
|weather
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The bridge was designed to withstand strong earthquakes.
- This material can withstand very high temperatures without melting.
- The tent is built to withstand heavy rain and strong winds.
- The phone’s screen is tough enough to withstand minor drops and scratches.
- These tiles can withstand years of heavy foot traffic.
Learner examples
- The old house can still withstand a big storm.
- These boots can withstand snow and cold weather.
- The glass is thick, so it can withstand a hard hit.
- The roof is strong enough to withstand heavy snow.
- This suitcase can withstand many long trips.
Verb
C1
action
2
resist attack, criticism, or influence
To stay strong and not be hurt, changed, or defeated by things like criticism, problems, or a strong wish to do something.
Usage pattern:
to withstand [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "withstand" where a more natural verb is "handle" or "deal with" in everyday speech. "Withstand" often sounds more formal or strong, and is used for serious pressure, criticism, or attacks. Also, some learners say *"withstand from"*, but the verb does not take a preposition: say "withstand criticism", not *"withstand from criticism"*.
Synonyms
resist (General term; "withstand" often sounds slightly more formal and emphasizes continued strength over time.)
|
weather (Often used metaphorically ("weather the storm") for surviving difficulties; more figurative than "withstand".)
|
hold up against (A phrasal alternative that focuses on remaining valid or convincing when examined or criticized.)
Antonyms
yield to (Means to give in to pressure, temptation, or influence, the opposite of staying firm.)
|
crumble under (Informal; describes failing or losing control when facing strong pressure or stress.)
Collocations
withstand criticism
|withstand scrutiny
|withstand pressure
|withstand competition
|withstand public opinion
|withstand the test of time
Themes
conflict
|business
|emotions
|society
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company managed to withstand intense competition from cheaper brands.
- Her argument could not withstand serious scrutiny.
- The government struggled to withstand international pressure to change the law.
- He withstood years of criticism and never changed his position.
- Their friendship has withstood many challenges over the years.
Learner examples
- The team could not withstand the pressure and lost the game.
- She was strong enough to withstand the bad comments online.
- His plan did not withstand careful questions from the group.
- Their love withstood many problems and stayed strong.
- He could not withstand the temptation to look at his phone.
Grammar
Dictionary form
withstand
IPA
GB/wɪθstˈænd/
US/wɪθstˈænd/
Syllables & stress
with - stand (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (stand)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: withstand
- 3rd Person Singular: withstands
- Present Participle: withstanding
- Past: withstood
- Past Participle: withstood
Word family
Forms
withstands
verb
withstanding
verb
withstood
verb
Related words
Advanced or less common
withstandable
adjective
Highlights
- Irregular past: withstood Verb
- Irregular past participle: withstood Verb
Expressions
withstand the test of time
1/wɪθstˈænd ðə tˈɛst əv tˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
remain good or valid over years
To stay strong, useful, or popular for a very long time.
Examples
- Her designs have withstood the test of time and still look modern today.
- The book has clearly withstood the test of time, as people are still reading it a century later.
- Only a few classic songs truly withstand the test of time.