resistance

1 of 2

noun

re·​sis·​tance ri-ˈzi-stən(t)s 

plural resistances

1

a

: an act or instance of resisting : opposition

felt a lot of resistance to the planned changes

b

: a means of resisting

2

: the power or capacity to resist: such as

a

: the inherent ability of an organism to resist harmful influences (such as disease, toxic agents, or infection)

b

: the capacity of a species or strain of microorganism to survive exposure to a toxic agent (such as a drug) formerly effective against it

3

: an opposing or impeding force

4

a

: the opposition offered by a body or substance to the passage through it of a steady electric current

b

: a source of resistance

5

: a psychological defense mechanism wherein a patient rejects, denies, or otherwise opposes the therapeutic efforts of a psychotherapist

6

often Resistance : an underground organization of a conquered or nearly conquered country engaging in sabotage and secret operations against occupation forces and collaborators

resistance

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being exercise involving pushing or pulling against a source of resistance (such as a weight) to increase strength

resistance training

Synonyms of resistance

Noun

• opposition
• objection

Examples of resistance in a Sentence

Noun

They have shown a stubborn resistance to change.

The troops met heavy resistance as they approached the city.

The paint shows good weather resistance.

Over time the patient could develop a resistance to the drug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Podrabinek captures the painful intersections between personal and political in a dissident’s life, and the solidarity that kept the resistance moving forward. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

Mike seems taken aback by Nina’s stony resistance. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025

Stopping your antibiotic prescription early could lead to antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria become insensitive or resistant to antibiotics. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 8 Nov. 2025

Brockton’s defense provided resistance on Xaverian’s next series, but the Hawks converted two fourth downs on a 13-play, 57-yard drive and Wood capped the possession with an 8-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Richie Edgehille for a 13-0 advantage. —Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1956, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing resistance

• cross-resistance
• insulin resistance
• insulin resistance syndrome
• offered no resistance
• offer resistance
• passive resistance
• take/follow the path/line of least resistance

Rhymes for resistance

• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• persistence
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids Definition

resistance

noun

re·​sis·​tance

ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s

1

a

: an act or instance of resisting : opposition

b

: a method of resisting

2

: the ability to resist

the body's resistance to disease

3

: an opposing or slowing force

4

: the opposition offered by a body or substance to the passage through it of a steady electric current

5

: a source of resistance

6

often capitalized : a secret organization in a conquered or nearly conquered country fighting against enemy forces

Medical Definition

resistance

noun

re·​sis·​tance ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s 

1

a

: power or capacity to resist

especially : the inherent ability of an organism to resist harmful influences (as disease, toxic agents, or infection)

b

: the capacity of a species or strain of microorganism to survive exposure to a toxic agent (as a drug) formerly effective against it due to genetic mutation and selection for and accumulation of genes conferring protection from the agent especially as a result of overuse of the agent which selectively destroys individual microorganisms lacking the protective genes

2

a

: the opposition offered by a body to the passage through it of a steady electric current

b

: opposition or impediment to the flow of a fluid (as blood or respiratory gases) through one or more passages see vascular resistance

3

: a psychological defense mechanism wherein a psychoanalysis patient rejects, denies, or otherwise opposes therapeutic efforts by the analyst