resist

1 of 2

verb

re·​sist ri-ˈzist 

resisted; resisting; resists

intransitive verb

: to exert force in opposition

transitive verb

1

: to exert oneself so as to counteract or defeat

he resisted temptation

2

: to withstand the force or effect of

material that resists heat

resist

2 of 2

noun

often attributive

: something (such as a coating) that protects against a chemical, electrical, or physical action

Synonyms

Verb

• buck
• defy
• fight
• oppose
• repel
• withstand

Choose the Right Synonym for resist

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of resist in a Sentence

Verb

He was charged with resisting arrest.

These windows can resist very high winds.

The drug will help your body resist infection.

She couldn't resist telling us what she'd heard.

He was able to resist the urge to tell her his secret.

It was hard resisting the temptation to open the box.

The offer was hard to resist.

I know I shouldn't have any more cake, but I can't resist.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

He is also expected to face additional charges in connection with the incident on Friday, including resisting arrest with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a violent felon and interfering with law enforcement officers. —Landon Mion, Fox News, 18 Aug. 2024

The sea goat won’t be able to resist the amazing cameo brooch and bow tie collar. —Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024

But between tumbles into the Serpentine in Hyde Park and being caught in a passionate embrace in the library, Selina and Peter simply cannot resist the crackle of their chemistry. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2024

Bell said prosecutors on Tuesday charged four other people with various crimes on the day of the protest, including property damage, attempting to disarm an officer, resisting arrest and fourth-degree assault. —Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French resister, from Latin resistere, from re- + sistere to take a stand; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

resist

verb

re·​sist

ri-ˈzist

1

: to fight against : oppose

resist temptation

2

: to withstand the force or effect of

material that resists water