resist

[ ri-zist ]

verb (used with object)

1. to withstand, strive against, or oppose:

   to resist infection; to resist temptation.

   Synonyms: rebuff, counteract, confront

2. to withstand the action or effect of:

   to resist spoilage.

3. to refrain or abstain from, especially with difficulty or reluctance:

   They couldn't resist the chocolates.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a stand or make efforts in opposition; act in opposition; offer resistance.

noun

1. a substance that prevents or inhibits some effect from taking place, as a coating on a surface of a metallic printing plate that prevents or inhibits corrosion of the metal by acid.
2. Textiles. a chemically inert substance used in resist printing.

resist

/ rɪˈzɪst /

verb

1. to stand firm (against); not yield (to); fight (against)
2. tr to withstand the deleterious action of; be proof against

   to resist corrosion

3. tr to oppose; refuse to accept or comply with

   to resist the introduction of new technology

   to resist arrest

4. tr to refrain from, esp in spite of temptation (esp in the phrases cannot or could not resist ( something ))

noun

1. a substance used to protect something, esp a coating that prevents corrosion

Derived Forms

• reˈsistible, adjective
• reˈsistibly, adverb
• reˈsister, noun
• reˌsistiˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• re·sister noun
• re·sisting·ly adverb
• inter·re·sist verb
• nonre·sisting adjective
• over·re·sist verb
• quasi-re·sisted adjective
• unre·sisted adjective
• unre·sisting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resist¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English resisten (verb), from Latin resistere “to remain standing,” equivalent to re- “again, back” + sistere “to cause to stand,” akin to stāre “to stand”; re-, stand

Word History and Origins

Origin of resist¹

C14: from Latin resistere to stand still, oppose, from re- + sistere to stand firm

Synonym Study

See oppose.

Example Sentences

The Democratic Party will, naturally, be less able to block and resist his agenda too.

From BBC

But the move has been resisted by Mr Fitzpatrick, who would lose control of the company he founded.

From BBC

Antwoine Williams is facing felony charges of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding police, along with several lesser misdemeanour charges.

From BBC

Although we think of these repatriation drives as federally driven, they were largely enacted by local officials, a stark reminder that local governments have tremendous power to harm — but also to resist.

From Los Angeles Times

A $2-trillion cut probably would mean forced reductions in direct-benefit programs, a move that most politicians in both parties have resisted.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abide
• combat
• confront
• continue
• curb
• defy
• endure
• forgo
• maintain
• prevent
• refuse
• repel
• thwart
• turn down