resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held"
To stand against; to oppose; to resist, either with physical or moral force; as, to withstand an attack of troops; to withstand eloquence or arguments
If something or someone withstands a force or action, they survive it or do not give in to it. armoured vehicles designed to withstand chemical attack = stand up to