Withstand
Word of the Day
What is Withstand?
verb
To remain undamaged or unaffected by; to resist.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Selected to highlight the resilience demonstrated by communities facing natural disasters and global economic shifts on this date.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The building was designed to withstand earthquakes.
She managed to withstand the pressure during the crisis.
These materials can withstand extreme temperatures.
Word Origins
From Old English withstandan, meaning “to oppose” or “resist”.
Combines “with” (against) and “stand” (to remain upright), emphasizing resistance.
First appearance in English: Old English
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Verb:
The dam can withstand high water pressure.
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Noun:
As a withstander of hardship, she became a symbol of hope.
-
Noun:
The withstanding of such trials made the community stronger.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: resistir
- French: résister
- German: widerstehen
- Italian: resistere
- Portuguese: resistir
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Endure
Focuses on lasting through difficulties over time; “withstand” emphasizes resistance.
Resist
Implies opposition; “withstand” suggests enduring without giving in.
Survive
Means to continue living; “withstand” implies resisting damage or harm.
Fun Facts
- The term “withstand” is often used in engineering to describe materials that can endure stress without failure.
- In psychology, “withstand” relates to an individual’s capacity to endure stress and adversity.
Cultural Usage
- Communities in the Midwest worked together to withstand the aftermath of the devastating storms.
- In “The Old Man and the Sea,” the protagonist’s ability to withstand the challenges of nature is central to the story.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “resist”; however, “withstand” emphasizes enduring over time, not just opposing.
Micro Story
The levee was built to withstand the strongest storms, protecting the town for decades.