Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb withstand

2 senses of withstand

Sense 1
defy, withstand, hold, hold up -- (resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held")
       => resist, hold out, withstand, stand firm -- (stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something)

Sense 2
resist, hold out, withstand, stand firm -- (stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something)
       => fight, oppose, fight back, fight down, defend -- (fight against or resist strongly; "The senator said he would oppose the bill"; "Don't fight it!")