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

He has, after all, explicitly threatened to withhold aid from any governor who tries to resist his plans.

From Salon

Besides, who could resist an animal that its owner calls the “bonsai tree of dogs”? It’s been all of two minutes and already there’s a lifetime bond.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, several organizations expressed concern about how much it will cost to inform immigrant residents, provide legal representation to those facing deportation, resist federal infringement and advance local policies that will bolster protections for immigrants.

From Los Angeles Times

When David Cameron became Leader of the Opposition later that year, he initially resisted the temptation to impose a cap, but he too became convinced that a number was deliverable.

From BBC

Nearly 600 people have been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding police officers.

From BBC

Related Words

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