/ wɪðˈstænd; NAmE ; wɪθˈs-/ verb
( with·stood , with·stood / -ˈstʊd; NAmE /) [ vn ] ( formal ) to be strong enough not to be hurt or damaged by extreme conditions, the use of force, etc.
SYN resist , stand up to :
The materials used have to be able to withstand high temperatures.
They had withstood siege, hunger and deprivation.
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English withstandan , from the prefix with- against + the verb stand .