Dictionary entry

Resist

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Re‐sist″ (r?–z?st″), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Resisted; p. pr. & vb. n.Resisting.] [F. résister, L. resistere, pref. re- re- + sistere to stand, cause to stand, v. causative of stare to stand. See Stand.] 1. To stand against; to withstand; to obstruct.

That mortal dint,

Save He who reigns above, none can resist. Milton.

2. To strive against; to endeavor to counteract, defeat, or frustrate; to act in opposition to; to oppose.

God resisteth the proud. James iv. 6.

Contrary to his high will

Whom we resist. Milton.

3. To counteract, as a force, by inertia or reaction.

4. To be distasteful to. Shak.

Syn. — To withstand; oppose; hinder; obstruct; counteract; check; thwart; baffle; disappoint.