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resist

ri-ZIST/ɹɪˈzɪst/

Verbresists, resisting, resisted

Noun pluralresists

5 meanings of resist

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To try to stop something from happening or having an effect.

    Like holding up an umbrella to keep the rain off you.

    Doctors work hard to resist the spread of the disease.

    The new paint helps resist rust on the metal.

    Similaroppose, fight, combat, counter, withstand

    Oppositeaccept, support

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To stand up to something without being harmed or changed.

    Like a raincoat that keeps you dry in a storm.

    These tiles can resist high heat without cracking.

    The strong walls resisted the force of the flood.

    Similarwithstand, endure, repel, weather, survive

    Oppositesuccumb, yield

    Note
  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    To fight against something or refuse to give in.

    The crowd refused to leave and continued to resist.

    When the soldiers told them to move, the villagers resisted.

    Similarobject, protest, rebel, refuse, balk

    Oppositecomply, submit, yield, acquiesce

    Note
  4. 4
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A coating put on a surface to protect parts of it from damage.

    Like putting tape over a window before painting, so that part stays clear.

    The artist painted a layer of resist onto the metal plate.

    Wax can be used as a resist to keep dye off some areas.

    Similarreserve, mask

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To be unpleasant or disgusting to someone.
    These cates resist me,
    c. 1607, William Shakespeare, [George Wilkins?]Here, resist means are unpleasant to, so this food disgusts me.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin resistere, made from re- and sistere meaning "cause to stand." It came into English through French.