Pronunciation: /wɪðˈstænd/

Definitions of withstand

noun the ability to withstand something

Example Sentences

A1 The shelter was built to withstand strong winds.

A2 The tent proved its ability to withstand heavy rain during the camping trip.

B1 The material used in the construction of the bridge was chosen for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

B2 The reinforced concrete wall was designed to withstand earthquakes.

C1 The spacecraft's heat shield is designed to withstand the high temperatures of re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

C2 The new building's foundation was engineered to withstand the force of a magnitude 9 earthquake.

verb to remain undamaged or unaffected by something; to resist or endure

Example Sentences

A1 I hope my new shoes can withstand the rain.

A2 The old bridge was able to withstand the weight of the heavy truck.

B1 The building was designed to withstand earthquakes.

B2 The military base had to withstand a fierce enemy attack.

C1 The scientist wanted to test if the material could withstand extreme temperatures.

C2 The spacecraft was built to withstand the harsh conditions of outer space.

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

formal The new building was designed to withstand earthquakes and strong winds.

informal I don't think this old chair can withstand another person sitting on it.

slang I bet you can't withstand the heat of this spicy curry!

figurative Her resolve to succeed was so strong that it could withstand any challenge thrown her way.

Grammatical Forms of withstand

past tense

withstood

plural

withstand

comparative

more withstand

superlative

most withstand

present tense

withstand

future tense

will withstand

perfect tense

have withstood

continuous tense

is withstanding

singular

withstands

positive degree

withstand

infinitive

to withstand

gerund

withstanding

participle

withstanding

Origin and Evolution of withstand

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'withstand' originated from the Old English word 'wiðstandan', which is a combination of 'wið' meaning against and 'standan' meaning to stand.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'withstand' has retained its original meaning of resisting or opposing something, but it has also come to be used more broadly to indicate enduring or enduring a difficult situation.