Resisting: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone attempts to prevent something from happening or to fend off an action or influence. Often used in a variety of situations, from physical to emotional or intellectual.

• She had a hard time resisting the urge to eat the cake.
• The soldier was resisting the enemy's advance.

Used when someone openly refuses to obey or challenges authority, rules, or conventions. This word carries a sense of boldness or bravery.

• The student was defying the school's dress code.
• He was defying the odds by continuing his journey despite the dangers.

Used when someone is actively or passively placing themselves against an idea, another person, or a group, often in a logical or structured way. Common in political or competitive contexts.

• They were opposing the new law in the senate.
• He was opposing his rival team in the finals.

Used when someone is taking strong action or showing strong resistance against authority, often implying a desire for change or freedom. It can have a youthful or revolutionary connotation.

• The teenagers were rebelling against their strict parents.
• The oppressed population started rebelling against the dictatorship.

When someone is trying to prevent or oppose something from happening, often in a non-violent manner.

• She was resisting the urge to eat sweets.
• He was arrested for resisting arrest.

When there is a physical or verbal confrontation or conflict. This word can have a negative connotation.

• The two countries have been fighting for decades.
• They were fighting over a trivial issue.

When someone is making a strenuous or difficult effort to do something, often involving hardship or trouble.

• He is struggling to pay his bills on time.
• The team was struggling to win the match.

When there is an ongoing, often intense, effort to overcome a problem or opponent.

• The firefighters were battling the blaze for hours.
• She is battling cancer with a positive attitude.