irresistible

[ ir-i-zis-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not resistible; incapable of being resisted or withstood:

   an irresistible impulse.

2. lovable, especially calling forth feelings of protective love:

   an irresistible puppy.

3. enticing; tempting to possess:

   an irresistible necklace.

noun

1. an irresistible person or thing.

irresistible

/ ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be resisted or refused; overpowering

   an irresistible impulse

2. very fascinating or alluring

   an irresistible woman

Derived Forms

• ˌirreˈsistibly, adverb
• ˌirreˌsistiˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• irre·sisti·bili·ty irre·sisti·ble·ness noun
• irre·sisti·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of irresistible¹

From the Medieval Latin word irresistibilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See ir- ², resistible

Example Sentences

His explanation only diminishes the irresistible excitement we feel while watching Tony Perkins peer at Janet Leigh in her shower.

From The Daily Beast

Her microhistories weave compelling lives into larger stories, and William Moulton Marston is irresistible.

From The Daily Beast

The early word is that Taking New York may be just as irresistible as Made in Chelsea.

From The Daily Beast

During the mid-to-late 1980s, he went on an absolute tear, helming a plethora of irresistible entertainments.

From The Daily Beast

The around-the-corner Emporium Pies supplies a variety of irresistible desserts.

From The Daily Beast

The attack was commenced by the allies under Blucher upon the French centre, with a fury irresistible.

From Project Gutenberg

He rose upon it, it was under him, he felt its lift and irresistible momentum; almost it bore him up the steps.

From Project Gutenberg

Zoological gardens and “wild beast shows” had for him attractions which were quite irresistible.

From Project Gutenberg

Thereafter he ran away from school twice, having been seized with a romantic and irresistible desire to see and shoot a lion!

From Project Gutenberg

And is it possible that the Doa can be obdurate to such irresistible attractions?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alluring
• charming
• fascinating
• inevitable
• inexorable
• invincible
• overpowering
• overwhelming
• potent
• powerful
• seductive
• tempting
• unavoidable