resist

American  

[ri-zist] / rɪˈzɪst /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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 arrest

   to resist the introduction of new technology

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

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noun

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

Related Words

See oppose.

Other Word Forms

• interresist verb
• nonresisting adjective
• overresist verb
• quasi-resisted adjective
• resister noun
• resistibility noun
• resistible adjective
• resistibly adverb
• resistingly adverb
• unresisted adjective
• unresisting adjective

Etymology

Origin of resist

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

Example Sentences

Police said Mazzarella was with his wife and two children at the time of his arrest, and did not resist arrest.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

But I try to resist the pressure because I think it’s the right way to tell the story.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Despite the earlier “insult” to his character, Cooke couldn’t resist another opportunity to help his country—and make another fortune.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Since foams are widely used in products ranging from cleaning solutions to pharmaceuticals, understanding how they behave is essential for improving their performance, such as creating foams that resist drainage.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

It was one more thing that was worthless to resist.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

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