The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ENDURABLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
N
D
U
R
A
B
L
E
More clues leading to the result ENDURABLE
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "can be withstood" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case can be withstood = endurable.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ENDURABLE mean?
ENDURABLE adjective- Able to be endured; tolerable; bearable.
- Capable of enduring; likely to endure; durable.