resistance

noun

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re·sis·tance | \ ri-ˈzi-stən(t)s

Definition of resistance

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : an act or instance of resisting : opposition

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 retarding force

4a : 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 capitalized : an underground organization of a conquered or nearly conquered country engaging in sabotage and secret operations against occupation forces and collaborators

resistance

adjective

Definition of resistance (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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Synonyms & Antonyms for resistance

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Noun

acquiescence

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 When developers first applied in 2001 for a permit for Cape Wind, a project between Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, resistance was fierce. — New York Times, 7 June 2021 But in Hong Kong’s new political climate, resistance to Beijing is far more difficult. — Timothy Mclaughlin, The Atlantic, 5 June 2021 The Red Sox clubhouse resistance to COVID vaccination is an underplayed story. — BostonGlobe.com, 4 June 2021 This resistance to change, whether intentional or not, is one of the biggest issues my clients face. — Ellevate, Forbes, 3 June 2021 Our experience illustrates how deep, untidy and idiosyncratic vaccine resistance may be. — Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2021 And the resistance to actually looking at white privilege and how that privilege has been built historically in the structure of our society is still a problem for a lot of people. — Alex Putterman, courant.com, 25 May 2021 If this were to occur, some resistance would be understandable. — Star Tribune, 19 May 2021 Chlumsky said resistance to the fire station location is not just the disturbance to the surrounding neighborhoods but also the potential for additional backup on Route 108. — Ana Faguy, baltimoresun.com, 19 May 2021

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

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Last Updated

12 Jun 2021

Cite this Entry

“Resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resistance. Accessed 17 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for resistance

resistance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of resistance

: refusal to accept something new or different

: effort made to stop or to fight against someone or something

: the ability to prevent something from having an effect

See the full definition for resistance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

resistance

noun

re·sis·tance | \ ri-ˈzi-stəns

Kids Definition of resistance

1 : an act or instance of opposing

2 : the ability to withstand the force or effect of resistance to disease

3 : an opposing or slowing force The car's sleek design reduces wind resistance.

4 : the opposition offered by a substance to the passage through it of an electric current

resistance

noun

re·sis·tance | \ ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s

Medical Definition of resistance

1a : 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

2a : 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