verb
resist
rih-ZIST/rɪˈzɪst/
To oppose or withstand an imposed force or impulse.
The woman resists the dog's pull by planting her feet and leaning backward.
Etymology
The pieces give the image of standing firm against something. That image connects physical withstanding with opposition to a person, demand, or other pressure.
In context
the purpose of any buttress is to resist the lateral forces pushing a wall outwards by redirecting them to the ground
More examples
- This coating resists moisture and protects the wood.
- I can't resist a slice of warm apple pie.
- The workers resisted attempts to cut their pay.
Forms
resist · resists · resisted · resisting
resistance noun — The act or ability of resisting.
resistant adjective — Able to withstand something or oppose change.