resistance

1 of 2

noun

re·​sis·​tance ri-ˈzi-stən(t)s How to pronounce resistance (audio)
plural resistances
1
a
: 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 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 capitalized : 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

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
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.
Noun
The extended air raid alarm in Kyiv lasted over seven hours, underscoring the toll on civilians as Russia continues its efforts to erode Ukrainian resistance. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 The proposal will likely encounter fierce resistance from big pharma and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 26 Nov. 2024 To mitigate resistance, businesses need to provide effective training and clear communication to ensure staff buy-in and address any concerns. Balasubramani Murugesan, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 While Anthony Davis is a game-altering big, the team has to provide more resistance on the perimeter. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resistance 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resistance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near resistance

Cite this Entry

“Resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resistance. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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 How to pronounce resistance (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on resistance

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