0 to be strong enough, or not be changed by something, or to oppose a person or thing successfully:
She is an artist whose work will undoubtedly withstand the test of time (= it will still be popular in the future).
The aircraft base is protected with specially designed shelters which are built to withstand ground and air attacks.
Our toys are designed to withstand the rough treatment of the average five-year-old.
a bridge designed to withstand earthquakes
1 to receive without being changed or damaged by something powerful; bear:
Neither of these generalizations can withstand careful examination.
However, it offers many testable predictions to guide future research, and its ability to withstand these tests will ultimately determine its scientific merit.
These functional changes lead to a progressive loss of the organism's ability to withstand both internal and environmental stresses, causing the failure of cellular homeostasis.
In a warmer climate, the agent might not be able to withstand the environmental changes, resulting in the decay of its virulence.
She wished she could believe and said that she admired those who could withstand disaster by means of their faith.
However, nothing is presently known about how the forest regenerates and it is not known to what extent the forest can withstand cutting.
We have neither the power nor the psychological ability to withstand constantly increasing misery, regardless of whether that misery is physical or emotional in nature.
The association, however, is in its infancy, and has not ventured into significant collective action to withstand competition.
