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”; see origin at re-, stand

Explanation

To resist something is to keep it at bay or to fend off its influence or advance. You might not be able to resist the temptation to sneak out to the dance in spite of your parents' objections. The verb resist comes from the Latin word resistere, meaning “to take a stand,” or “withstand.” People who are able to put up a wall — be it mental, physical, philosophical, emotional, or otherwise — to defend themselves or their group against a threat can be said to resist. The Amish community is still able to resist the influence of technology. Many a child will resist the suggestion to use a napkin. You might resist a second helping of pie.

Example Sentences

"They have often shown a willingness to speak plainly, to resist passing fashions, and to act according to conscience rather than convenience."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

However, some discoveries resist easy answers, and the "golden orb" became one of those rare, lingering mysteries.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Despite criticizing the Q&A sessions, it may be hard for Warsh to resist the opportunity to shape the public’s understanding of his Fed, according to some experts.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

They’re the uncomfortable ones: the capacity to be wrong in public and stay curious; to sit with a question your phone could answer in three seconds and resist the urge to reach for it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

I know what I’m supposed to do next—I’m supposed to release the splendor back into the earth—but I can’t resist the temptation to hold on to it just a little longer.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

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