resist
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to withstand, strive against, or oppose.
to resist infection; to resist temptation.
- Synonyms:
- rebuff, counteract, confront
-
to withstand the action or effect of.
to resist spoilage.
-
to refrain or abstain from, especially with difficulty or reluctance.
They couldn't resist the chocolates.
verb (used without object)
noun
-
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.
-
Textiles. a chemically inert substance used in resist printing.
verb
-
to stand firm (against); not yield (to); fight (against)
-
(tr) to withstand the deleterious action of; be proof against
to resist corrosion
-
(tr) to oppose; refuse to accept or comply with
to resist arrest
to resist the introduction of new technology
-
(tr) to refrain from, esp in spite of temptation (esp in the phrases cannot or could not resist ( something ))
noun
Related Words
See oppose.
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing resist
"The Civil Rights Movement"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Most Ukrainians, although exhausted by years of suffering under bombardment, see no choice but to resist the invasion until Russia is willing to settle on terms that protect Ukraine’s independence.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
It would show that at 95, he still loves the investment game and can’t resist a bargain-priced stock even if the size of the holding is too small to matter at Berkshire.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
The findings may help explain why some tumors resist chemotherapy and radiation.
From Science Daily • May 17, 2026
They couldn’t resist including a subtle nod toward the situation involving New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
The mechanism of Harrison's chronometer could withstand the turbulent motion of a ship at sea, defy changes of temperature, and resist the corrosion of salt water and air.
From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
