resist
B1Neutral formal/informal. Common in news, legal, scientific, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
to try to stop or prevent something from happening; to fight against an opposing force or pressure.
To refrain from something appealing but potentially harmful; to withstand the effect of something (e.g., corrosion, heat).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Resist" implies active effort, not passive avoidance. It often carries a nuance of moral or physical strength.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The nominal form "resistance" is standard in both. Minor spelling preference in derivatives (e.g., BrE 'resister', AmE also 'resistor' for electrical component).
Connotations
Similarly connoted with strength and opposition in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
resist + noun (transitive)resist + -ing form (gerund)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the line/path of least resistance”
- “a force to be reckoned with”
- “can't resist”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Companies must resist hostile takeover bids.
Academic
The material was engineered to resist extreme temperatures.
Everyday
I can't resist a slice of cake.
Technical
The coating resists bacterial growth.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The protesters will resist the new development plans.
- It's difficult to resist a proper cup of tea.
American English
- The defendant resisted arrest.
- I couldn't resist trying the new burger.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; use 'resistantly' rarely) N/A
American English
- (Not standard) N/A
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; use 'resistant') The paint is heat-resistant.
American English
- (Not standard; use 'resistant') We need a water-resist jacket.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children could not resist the sweets.
- He tried to resist, but he was too weak.
- The government resisted calls for an early election.
- You should resist the temptation to work too hard.
- The new alloy resists corrosion even in saltwater environments.
- She firmly resisted all pressure to resign from her post.
- The insurgents continued to resist the occupying forces with guerrilla tactics.
- His body is showing signs of resisting the treatment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + SIST (like 'insist'). To insist on NOT doing something.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS PHYSICAL FORCE / RESISTANCE ("wave of protest", "stand against"). TEMPTATION IS A MAGNETIC PULL ("irresistible", "drawn to").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'resist' for simple 'not wanting' (use 'don't want'). It requires active opposition.
- "I resisted to go" is wrong; use "I resisted going."
- Do not confuse with 'persist' (продолжать).
Common Mistakes
- He resisted to open the box. (Incorrect) -> He resisted opening the box. (Correct)
- It's a very resisting material. (Incorrect) -> It's a very resistant material. (Correct)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'resist' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Resist' is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form). Example: 'I resist eating' not 'I resist to eat'.
'Resist' often implies a direct, active, and often physical effort against something happening to you. 'Oppose' is broader and can be an ideological stance against an idea or policy. You can 'oppose' a law without actively 'resisting' it.
Not necessarily. While it means to oppose, it can be a positive act of self-control (resisting temptation) or self-defence (resisting an attack).
The main noun is 'resistance'. The adjective is 'resistant' (e.g., heat-resistant, water-resistant).