withstand

/wɪðˈstænd/ (bre, ipa) · /wɪðˈstænd/ (ame, ipa) · /with-ˈstand wit͟h-/ (ame, mw)

withstand — verb

  • withstand,,present simple I / you / we / they
  • withstandpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • withstands,,he / she / it
  • withstandshe / she / it
  • withstood,,past simple
  • withstoodpast simple
  • withstanding,,-ing form
  • withstanding-ing form

1. to remain in good condition or continue to work properly when exposed to somethi

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to remain in good condition or continue to work properly when exposed to something physically harsh, such as extreme weather, great pressure, heavy use, or strong chemicals

例句

The old stone bridge has withstood centuries of harsh weather and flooding.

collocation: withstand + weather / natural forces

Indra's new watch is designed to withstand pressure up to 200 metres underwater.

pattern: withstand + up to + measurement

同義詞
  • resist

    Broader — can be used for both physical and non-physical opposition; often implies effort rather than guaranteed success

  • endure

    Focuses on lasting through hardship rather than remaining undamaged; may involve suffering

  • survive

    Emphasises not being destroyed, but possible damage is allowed

  • weather

    Idiomatic, specifically for coming through a difficult period safely

反義詞
  • collapse

    Fails under pressure — opposite of remaining intact

  • give way

    Breaks or bends under force — opposite of holding firm

文法句型

withstand + noun phrase (the challenging force)

用法筆記

Subject is typically an object, material, building, or piece of equipment being tested against physical stress. The object of 'withstand' is the challenging force itself, not the thing being protected.

常見錯誤

❌The building withstood heavy damage in the earthquake.
✅The building withstood the earthquake with only minor cracks.
💡'withstand' means to resist successfully; a structure cannot 'withstand' and take 'heavy damage' at the same time.
❌This coat withstood me from the cold.
✅This coat protected me from the cold.
💡'withstand' does not mean 'protect someone from'; its object is the hazard, not the person.

2. to successfully oppose or refuse to give in to something such as criticism, temp

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to successfully oppose or refuse to give in to something such as criticism, temptation, an attack, or social pressure — for example, a small company withstanding competition from larger rivals, or a politician withstanding public scrutiny

例句

The small company has withstood intense competition from much larger firms for years.

collocation: withstand + competition

Christopher's argument did not withstand careful examination by the review committee.

common pattern: does/did not withstand + scrutiny/examination

同義詞
  • resist

    Closest synonym; can be transitive or intransitive, and covers both physical and abstract opposition

  • stand up to

    Phrasal verb with a stronger sense of courage or moral conviction

  • defy

    More dramatic; implies open, deliberate refusal to obey or submit

  • weather

    Informal; focuses on surviving a difficult period rather than active opposition

反義詞
  • surrender

    Capitulating — opposite of withstanding

  • yield

    Giving in — often used for arguments or pressure

  • succumb

    Formal; to fail to resist temptation, disease, or attack

文法句型

withstand + noun phrase (the opposing force)

用法筆記

Object is typically an abstract opposing force — criticism, scrutiny, temptation, pressure, an argument, or an attack. Unlike 'resist', which can be used intransitively ('She resisted.'), 'withstand' is always transitive and requires a direct object.

常見錯誤

❌She withstood her homework for three hours.
✅She slogged through her homework for three hours.
💡'withstand' is not used for general endurance of routine tasks; it implies active resistance against a significant opposing force.
❌The politician withstood against the accusations.
✅The politician withstood the accusations.
💡'withstand' takes a direct object; do not add 'against'.