resist
Americanverb (used with object)
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to withstand, strive against, or oppose.
to resist infection; to resist temptation.
- Synonyms:
- rebuff, counteract, confront
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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
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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.
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Textiles. a chemically inert substance used in resist printing.
verb
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to stand firm (against); not yield (to); fight (against)
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(tr) to withstand the deleterious action of; be proof against
to resist corrosion
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(tr) to oppose; refuse to accept or comply with
to resist arrest
to resist the introduction of new technology
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(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"
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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.
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 prime minister is continuing to resist calls to stand down and set a timetable for his departure and is expected to fight any challenge from Burnham or other likely contenders.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Mr. Warsh has the policy chops and intellectual firepower to steer the Fed and take on dissenters who resist the changes he might bring to monetary policy.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
Nearly 90% of the Taiwanese people oppose a Chinese takeover, and about 60% say they would resist it at all costs.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
No matter which city he was in, Elisha sent lavish gifts for Maggie, addressed to Mother Fox, “I could not resist the temptation of sending the accompanying little trifle of ermine, for Miss Margaretta’s throat.”
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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.
