Which property allows a material to withstand stress without plastic deformation?

The correct choice is based on the definition of elasticity, which is a fundamental material property that describes how a material deforms under stress and returns to its original shape once the stress is removed. When a material is elastic, it can absorb energy during deformation and does not undergo permanent changes in shape or structure, meaning it can withstand stress without experiencing plastic deformation.

Elasticity is particularly important in applications where materials are subjected to variable stresses, as it ensures that they can sustain their performance and structural integrity without undergoing irreversible changes. This property is distinguished from others such as resilience, which refers to a material's ability to absorb energy in the elastic range and return to its original shape, but does not specifically mean the absence of plastic deformation. Toughness relates to a material's ability to absorb energy and deform plastically, meaning it is not relevant to the context of resisting plastic deformation. Brittleness describes a material's tendency to fracture without significant plastic deformation, which is the opposite of what is being asked in the question. Thus, elasticity is indeed the property that allows a material to withstand stress without plastic deformation.