resist
/rɪˈzɪst/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To fight against or oppose something, such as an attack, an authority, or a proposed change.
Many residents resisted the plan to build a highway through the park.
Why did the committee resist every proposal to modernize the bylaws?
To remain undamaged or unaffected by something potentially harmful.
Treated cedar planks resist moisture much better than untreated pine.
Has this new crop variety been bred to resist drought?
To stop yourself from doing or having something you want.
I couldn't resist a second slice of pie.
Can you resist checking your phone during dinner?
How it's used
When this means “oppose an action or force”
- resist the pressure
“resisted it.”
The mayor resisted the pressure from local developers.
When this means “stop yourself from doing something you want”
- resist eating dessert
“resist it.”
She resisted eating dessert before dinner.
Collocations
- resist arrest
- resist change
- fiercely resist
- resist temptation
- resist the urge
- hard to resist
- cannot resist
- resist disease
- resist corrosion
Synonyms
- oppose
- withstand
- refrain
- repel