Resist

/rɪˈzɪst/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To withstand the action or effect of something.
She tried to resist the temptation to eat the chocolate cake.
To fight against or oppose something.
The villagers decided to resist the construction of the new highway.
To refrain from doing or indulging in something.
He found it hard to resist the urge to check his phone every few minutes.
To endure or withstand something harmful.
This fabric can resist wear and tear better than its competitors.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin 'resistere', from 're-' + 'sistere' 'to stand'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

resist temptation
To avoid indulging in something that one desires.
resist the urge
To refrain from doing something one feels strongly about.
resist change
To oppose alterations to a situation or status.

Related Words

resistance
The refusal to accept or comply with something.
resistant
Having the ability to withstand something.

Slang Meanings

To hold off
I had to hold off on going out until I finished my work.
Fight back
When they tried to boss me around, I decided to fight back.