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
Industry surveys have shown that data privacy and the high cost of implementing large language models are among the reasons why enterprises have resisted AI adoption. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025 Access to school choice programs varies widely by state, as some offer voucher programs and charter school funding while others have resisted. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Set in the aftermath of a devastating toxic snowfall kills millions, the series is helmed by Bruno Stagnaro and stars Darín as Juan Salvo, who joins forces with a group of survivors in Buenos Aires to resist the invisible threat. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025 But, as the story goes, the trial and its subsequent publicity made Burrell’s work dry up, and a lucrative book deal was impossible to resist. Allie Merriam, Vogue, 30 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near resist

Cite this Entry

“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resist. Accessed 2 Feb. 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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