resist

verb

re·sist | \ ri-ˈzist

resisted; resisting; resists

Definition of resist

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

noun, often attributive

Definition of resist (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about resist

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Choose the Right Synonym for resist

Verb

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

But Raines, who lives in Springtown, about an hour west of Dallas, has resisted seeking out a prescription. — James Barragán, Dallas News, "Will Texans give up gun rights to get medical marijuana? Federal government says they have to," 17 June 2019 Countertop materials like an engineered stone such as quartz are non-porous, resist stains and scratches, and do not require sealing. — May Delgado, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Experience low-maintenance living," 16 June 2019 Mr Duisenberg resisted, giving in only after midnight. — The Economist, "The ECB presidency is distinct but not immune from backroom deals," 15 June 2019 Next time this happens in a meeting, resist the urge to block the new idea. — Bob Dusin, Quartz at Work, "To be your most authentic self at work, get better at pretending," 13 June 2019 But players strongly resisted in 2011 and have already shown signs of strong resistance once again. — Andrew Brandt, SI.com, "The NFL and NFLPA Are Both Posturing When They Could Just Start Negotiating the CBA," 11 June 2019 Buchanan was also charged with resisting a police officer, obstructing identification and endangering the life of a child. — Graydon Megan, chicagotribune.com, "Elmhurst police blotter: Five charged in retail theft from Kohl's," 10 June 2019 Kolkata’s biggest Mughlai restaurant chain Arsalan has also resisted calls to change the name. — Shoaib Daniyal, Quartz India, "Haleem or Daleem? WhatsApp university fuels debate over Ramzan delicacy," 4 June 2019 Democrats’ search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist. — Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "With Kavanaugh Confirmed, It’s Time to Burn It Down," 6 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In addition to tarnishing a reputable Trump official, the Democratic resist-at-all-costs strategy chews up precious time on the Senate floor. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Senate Stakes in Sharp Relief," 26 July 2018 David Erickson, 43, of Garden City, was booked into the Ada County Jail on two felony charges of battery against law enforcement, one misdemeanor count of resist and obstruction and a misdemeanor count of trespassing, according to a release. — Michael Katz, idahostatesman, "Two local police officers injured after suspect becomes violent on Greenbelt | Idaho Statesman," 30 Mar. 2018 But the resist-Trump movement -- combined with more Hispanics moving into the region and the retirement of Royce and fellow GOP Rep. Darrell Issa in the nearby 49th district -- resulted in Democratic hopefuls piling into races. — Joseph Weber, Fox News, "In wild California primary, Democratic candidate sues over rivals' ballot entries, candidates eased out," 28 Mar. 2018 Head to her three-hour workshop for a history lesson and a hands-on tutorial in shibori (an ancient Japanese method of resist dyeing not unlike tie-dye). — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "West Elm Has Curated Workshops With its Favorite Local Artisans Across the U.S.," 13 Mar. 2018 With the support of UNHCR, RefuSHE also encourages economic empowerment by teaching the young women to make colorful scarves using resist-dyeing, a traditional East African technique similar to tie-dye. — Alison S. Cohn, Harper's BAZAAR, "Runway of Hope: Angelina Jolie Opens Up About a Different Kind of Fashion Show," 8 Mar. 2018 The indigo resist-dye style fabric seen on said dress is easily reminiscent of the oceanic textiles in Areté Complete's own designs. — Madeleine Luckel, Vogue, "From French Floral Prints to Blue Shibori, Bring New York Fashion Week Looks Into Your Home," 12 Feb. 2018 But many of the #resist leaders aren’t ready for a victory lap just yet. — Philip Elliott / Los Angeles, Time, "Here's What It Was Like to Watch the State of the Union With the Resistance," 31 Jan. 2018 Despite scarce resources and a broken-down infrastructure, learning the craft of resist-dyeing (or tie-dyeing) has helped them work toward economic independence through making their own scarves. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Nest Gathers Industry Leaders at the United Nations to Discuss the New Handworker Economy and the Future of Ethical Fashion," 11 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'resist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.