Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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withstand, withstands, withstanding, withstood

Synonyms: resist, endure, oppose, tolerate, defy

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Antonyms: yield, surrender, submit, collapse, fall to

The Verb Withstand – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb withstand is an irregular verb that means to resist or endure something successfully; to remain undamaged or unaffected by an opposing force.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: withstand
■ Past Simple: withstood
■ Past Participle: withstood
■ Present Participle/Gerund: withstanding


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Withstand' is used to describe resilience against physical forces or difficult situations.


1. Resisting Physical Force or Pressure
This is its literal meaning.


■ Engineering: 'This bridge was built to withstand earthquakes and strong winds.'
■ Materials: 'The material is able to withstand extremely high temperatures.'


2. Enduring a Difficult Situation (Figurative)
This refers to surviving challenges, pressure, or criticism.


■ Pressure: 'Their small company could not withstand the competition from larger corporations.'
■ Criticism: 'The president struggled to withstand the constant criticism from the media.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: CONNOTATION OF STRENGTH


■ Strength and Durability: This verb always implies a sense of strength, resilience, and durability. It highlights the ability of a person, object, or system to endure a powerful negative force without breaking or failing.