Resist: meaning, definitions and examples

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resist

[rɪˈzɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

fight against

To resist means to fight against something or someone trying to overpower you. It can also mean to refuse to accept or comply with something. Resisting can be a physical act, as in resisting arrest, or a mental act, as in resisting temptation.

Synonyms

combat, defy, oppose, withstand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
resist	Typically used when someone is trying to avoid or refuse something, especially when it comes to temptation or pressure. She tried to resist eating the chocolate cake. He couldn't resist the urge to check his phone.
oppose	Used when someone is expressing disapproval or disagreement with something, often in a formal or organized manner. Many people oppose the new law. The council members voted to oppose the proposal.
defy	Used when someone is openly challenging authority or ignoring rules, often with a sense of boldness or bravery. The young student decided to defy the school dress code. She defied her parents and went on the trip anyway.
withstand	Used when referring to the ability to endure or remain unaffected by something, often physical forces or pressures. The building was designed to withstand earthquakes. He could withstand the cold due to his thick coat.
combat	Used in contexts involving fighting or battling against something usually in a physical or metaphorical sense. Often related to serious, organized efforts. The government is taking steps to combat climate change. The soldiers were trained to combat the enemy.

Examples of usage

He resisted the urge to eat the delicious cake.
The protesters resisted the government's attempts to silence them.
She resisted the temptation to check her phone during the exam.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

force that opposes motion

In physics, resistance refers to the force that opposes the motion of an object. It is often used to describe the opposition to the flow of an electric current through a conductor. Resistance can also refer to the act of resisting something or someone.

Synonyms

impediment, obstruction, opposition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
resist	As mentioned earlier, use this when someone is actively trying to prevent something from happening or refusing to accept it. The villagers decided to resist the unfair taxes He tried to resist the urge to check his phone
opposition	This is usually employed when describing a group or force that is against opposing strategies or ideas, typically in a political, social, or competitive context. The new policy faced strong opposition from the public His idea encountered opposition from his colleagues
obstruction	This is used when something is physically blocking a path or making an activity difficult or impossible. It often implies a negative connotation. There was an obstruction on the highway that caused a major traffic jam A fallen tree created an obstruction on the hiking trail
impediment	Use this to describe something that makes progress, movement, or achieving something more difficult but not necessarily stops it completely. His stutter was an impediment to his career as a public speaker The heavy snow was an impediment to their travel plans

Examples of usage

The car's engine is struggling with the resistance of the muddy road.
This material has a high resistance to heat.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'resistere', meaning 'to stand back' or 'to stand firm'.
It has been used in English since the 15th century, often in the context of not giving in.
The prefix 're-' suggests a sense of opposition, while 'sist' relates to standing.

Psychology

Studies show that the ability to resist temptation is tied to self-control, which can be improved with practice.
The 'marshmallow experiment' demonstrated that children who could resist immediate rewards tended to have better life outcomes.
Resistance is often linked to willpower and is considered a key factor in achieving long-term goals.

Social Movements

Throughout history, various movements have used resistance as a strategy to fight against oppression, like civil rights or anti-colonial movements.
The concept of nonviolent resistance was famously promoted by Mahatma Gandhi as a way to oppose British rule in India.
In modern contexts, 'resist' has become a rallying cry for various social justice initiatives and protests.

Health and Wellness

In the context of health, to resist can mean to stave off illnesses through proper nutrition and exercise.
The term 'antibiotic resistance' describes when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of medications, posing a public health challenge.
Mental health practices often encourage individuals to resist negative thoughts in order to foster a healthier mindset.

Science

In physics, resistance refers to the opposition to the flow of electric current, symbolized by the letter R.
Materials can resist heat differently, affecting their use in things like insulation.
Plants can resist pests through various natural defenses, balancing their ecosystem.

Translations

Translations of the word "resist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resistir

🇮🇳 प्रतिरोध करना

🇩🇪 widerstehen

🇮🇩 menahan

🇺🇦 чинити опір

🇵🇱 opierać się

🇯🇵 抵抗する (teikō suru)

🇫🇷 résister

🇪🇸 resistir

🇹🇷 direnmek

🇰🇷 저항하다 (jeohanghada)

🇸🇦 يقاوم (yuqawim)

🇨🇿 odporovat

🇸🇰 odolávať

🇨🇳 抵抗 (dǐkàng)

🇸🇮 upirati se

🇮🇸 standast

🇰🇿 қарсы тұру

🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგობა (tsinaaghmdegoba)

🇦🇿 müqavimət göstərmək

🇲🇽 resistir

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,146, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4143 capabilities
4144 tin
4145 philosophical
4146 resist
4147 promptly
4148 weights
4149 coastal
...