resist

1 of 2

verb

re·​sist ri-ˈzist How to pronounce resist (audio)
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
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
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.
Verb
The union’s wherewithal to resist the cap has become almost part and parcel of its identity and there has never been any indication that the players are prepared to give in now. Chris Deubert, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 As Hill resists sitting down, another officer jumps from behind him, place an arm around his chest, and pulls him to the ground as Hill continues shouting about knee surgery. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025 Hamas, which grew out of the Muslim Brotherhood, was founded in the late 1980s and is dedicated to resisting the Israeli state. Mick Krever, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025 The enemy is resisting and has not yet been defeated...Therefore, inflicting maximum defeat on the enemy 'on the battlefield' remains our main task today. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resist

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

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resist was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resist. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on resist

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