passive resistance

noun

: resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation

Examples of passive resistance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The author describes how Lewis, who went on to serve in Congress for more than 30 years, immersed himself in passive resistance while a student at the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee. Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024 That led to passive resistance by Germans that tanked the country’s economy and helped trigger hyperinflation in 1923. Cyrus Veeser / Made By History, TIME, 10 Sep. 2024 The informal nature of his directives has practically invited passive resistance, such as when the service chiefs and his own secretary of defense politely ignored his tweet about banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. Eliot A. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2018 So, this openly gay man organized the March on Washington and inspired Dr. King to know about passive resistance and the teachings of Gandhi. ... Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for passive resistance 

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passive resistance was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near passive resistance

Cite this Entry

“Passive resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive%20resistance. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

passive resistance

noun
: resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation

More from Merriam-Webster on passive resistance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!