Dic: stand up to, stand up for

• Is this building going to stand up to the strongest gales? 
• He hit me, so I hit him back. The first time in my life I'd stood up to him.

1. PHRASAL VERB | If something stands up to bad conditions, it is not damaged or harmed by them.
2. PHRASAL VERB | If you stand up to someone, especially someone more powerful than you are, you defend yourself against their attacks or demands.

CF. stand up for:

PHRASAL VERB | If you stand up for someone or something, you defend them and make your feelings or opinions very clear.      

• They stood up for what they believed to be right.     
• = stick up for

..... Cobuild