resist

[ri-zist]

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.

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

/ 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 ))

noun

1. a substance used to protect something, esp a coating that prevents corrosion

Other Word Forms

• resister noun
• resistingly adverb
• interresist verb
• nonresisting adjective
• overresist verb
• quasi-resisted adjective
• unresisted adjective
• unresisting adjective
• resistible adjective
• resistibly adverb
• resistibility noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of resist¹

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”; re-, stand

Word History and Origins

Origin of resist¹

C14: from Latin resistere to stand still, oppose, from _re- + sistere to stand firm

Synonym Study

See oppose.

Example Sentences

The series also resists the temptation to show Gacy dressed up as Pogo the Clown, the image that helped kick several generations’ claims of coulrophobia into high gear.

Read more on Salon

States have historically resisted federal efforts to expand control over elections, including former President Joe Biden’s order directing federal agencies to engage in voter registration, which drew fierce opposition from Republicans.

Read more on Salon

Because, let’s face it, who can resist a cosmopolitan city with 24 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, a dynamic dining scene and arts and culture aplenty.

Read more on MarketWatch

The thought entered your head and, perhaps, you could not resist thinking about what you might do with one-third of their estate.

Read more on MarketWatch

His defensive play was essential in providing the platform for Australia to resist England before they went through the gears.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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