the word 'withstand' is a native english compound, formed from two old english elements. the prefix 'with-' originally carried a sense of opposition or resistance, a meaning now largely obsolete in the standalone preposition 'with'. the verb 'stand' has maintained its core meaning of remaining in an upright position or holding one's ground. when combined, the literal sense of "standing against" an opposing force evolved into the modern abstract meanings of resisting, enduring, or remaining undamaged in the face of pressure, attack, or hardship.

Structure: with (against) + stand (to remain upright) 'with' (from old english 'wið', meaning 'against, opposite, toward'), a prepositional prefix indicating opposition. 'stand' (from old english 'standan', meaning 'to stand, remain upright'), a verb root.