Resist — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ri-ˈzist/ re·sist

Meaning & Definition of Resist

Resist (verb)

  1. to exert oneself so as to counteract or defeat
  2. to withstand the force or effect of
  3. to exert force in opposition

Resist (noun)

  1. something (such as a coating) that protects against a chemical, electrical, or physical action

Resist (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to refuse to give in to

    "it is important to resist the temptation to run away from your problems"

    similar: buck, defy, fight, oppose, repel, withstand
    related: battle, combat, contend (with), challenge, contest, contradict, dispute, baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart, check, counter, hinder, obstruct, stem
    opposite: bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Resist

The most common words with a similar meaning to Resist:

buck, defy, fight, oppose, repel, withstand

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Resist

Words with the opposite meaning of Resist:

bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to)

Related Words for Resist

battle, combat, contend (with), challenge, contest, contradict, dispute, baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart, check, counter, hinder, obstruct, stem

Word Forms of Resist

Inflections: resisted, resisting, resists

Origin & Etymology of Resist

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 stand

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Resist

Frequently Asked Questions about Resist

What does "Resist" mean?

"Resist" means to exert oneself so as to counteract or defeat. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to exert oneself so as to counteract or defeat.

What is another word for "Resist"?

Other words for "Resist" include buck, defy, fight, oppose, repel and withstand. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Resist" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Resist"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Resist". Common alternatives include buck, defy, fight, oppose, repel and withstand.

What is the opposite of "Resist"?

Antonyms of "Resist" include bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to) and surrender (to).

How do you use "Resist" in a sentence?

Examples of "Resist" in a sentence: "it is important to resist the temptation to run away from your problems".

Is "Resist" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Resist" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Resist" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Resist" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Resist"?

"Resist" is pronounced /ri-ˈzist/ and divided into syllables as re·sist.