resist

1 of 2

verb

re·​sist ri-ˈzist How to pronounce resist (audio)
resisted; resisting; resists

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

resist

2 of 2

noun

often attributive
: something (such as a coating) that protects against a chemical, electrical, or physical action
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of resist in a Sentence

Verb He was charged with resisting arrest. These windows can resist very high winds. The drug will help your body resist infection. She couldn't resist telling us what she'd heard. He was able to resist the urge to tell her his secret. It was hard resisting the temptation to open the box. The offer was hard to resist. I know I shouldn't have any more cake, but I can't resist.
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.
Verb
If craving ice cream, resist the urge to judge yourself before, during, or after eating it, Shabazz says. Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Djokovic, who usually plays on the far more cavernous Chatrier, stepped back from the baseline, smiled, resisted his tendency to troll and got busy with finishing the match. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The roll comes already dipped with soy sauce, so resist the urge to dunk each piece before taking a bite. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 Keep your elbows gently anchored and resist the urge to cave to your seatmates’ spread. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resist

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resist was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resist. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

resist

verb
re·​sist
ri-ˈzist
1
: to fight against : oppose
resist temptation
2
: to withstand the force or effect of
material that resists water

More from Merriam-Webster on resist

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