Withstand, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Withstood; p. pr. & vb. n. Withstanding.]
Etymology: [AS. wiedhstandan. See With, prep., and Stand.]
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. Piers Plowman. I withstood him to the face. Gal. ii. 11. Some village Hampden, that, with dauntless breast. The little tyrant of his fields withstood. Gray.