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¹resistance

noun re·sis·tance \ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s\

: 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

Full Definition of RESISTANCE

a : an act or instance of resisting : opposition

b : a means of resisting

: the power or capacity to resist: as

a : 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

: an opposing or retarding force

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

b : a source of resistance

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

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

See resistance defined for English-language learners

See resistance defined for kids

First Known Use of RESISTANCE

14th century

Related to RESISTANCE

Synonyms: defiance, opposition

Antonyms: acquiescence

²resistance

adjective

Definition of RESISTANCE

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

First Known Use of RESISTANCE

1976

Rhymes with RESISTANCE

long-distance, mean distance

RESISTANCE Defined for Kids

resistance

noun re·sis·tance \ri-ˈzi-stəns\

Definition of RESISTANCE for Kids

: an act or instance of opposing

: the ability to withstand the force or effect of <resistance to disease>

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

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

Medical Dictionary

resistance

noun re·sis·tance \ri-ˈzis-tən(t)s\

Medical Definition of RESISTANCE

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

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

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