First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1resist
verb re·sist \ri-ˈzist\
: to fight against (something) : to try to stop or prevent (something)
: to remain strong against the force or effect of (something) : to not be affected or harmed by (something)
: to prevent yourself from doing something that you want to do
Full Definition of RESIST
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>
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Origin of RESIST
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
Related to RESIST
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with RESIST
2resist
noun, often attributive
Definition of RESIST
: something (as a coating) that protects against a chemical, electrical, or physical action
First Known Use of RESIST
1836
Other Electrical Engineering Terms
RESIST[1] Defined for Kids
resist
verb re·sist \ri-ˈzist\
re·sist·edre·sist·ing
Definition of RESIST for Kids
1
: to fight against : oppose <Students resisted the war.>
2
: to avoid doing or having something <I can't resist bragging.> <Who can resist chocolate?>
3
: to withstand the force or effect of <These plants resist disease.>
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