Resistance
/rɪˈzɪstəns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of fighting against something; opposition; the ability to withstand the effect of something.
/rɪˈzɪstəns/
The act of opposing or refusing to accept something.
The workers showed strong resistance to the new rules.
💡 Simply: It's like when you push against something, or when something tries to stop you. Imagine trying to walk through a strong wind – that wind is providing resistance!
👶 For kids: When you try to stop something from happening or from working. Like trying to push a heavy box.
More Examples
The doctor tested for antibiotic resistance.
The resistance of the metal to corrosion was remarkable.
How It's Used
"The resistance movement fought against the occupying forces."
"Electrical resistance is measured in ohms."
"Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern."
The ability of something to withstand the action or effect of something else.
/rɪˈzɪstəns/
The ability to remain unaffected by something.
The material's resistance to heat made it ideal for the application.
💡 Simply: It’s like the strength something has to keep from being damaged or changed. Think about a phone that's water resistant—it can handle getting a little wet without breaking.
👶 For kids: How good something is at not being changed or broken. Like a strong wall that doesn't break easily.
More Examples
The plant's resistance to pests meant fewer crop losses.
A circuit's resistance limits the flow of current.
How It's Used
"The resistance of a wire determines how much current flows through it."
"Plants exhibit resistance to certain diseases."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
resistance is futile
Used to indicate that there is no point in trying to fight something or someone.
"The alien invaders declared, 'Resistance is futile!'"
show/put up resistance
To offer opposition or defiance.
"The local population put up a strong resistance to the invading army."
From Old French *resistance* or directly from Latin *resistentia*, from *resistere* 'to withstand, resist'.
The word 'resistance' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of withstanding or opposing something.
Memory tip
Imagine a person pushing back against a strong force - that's resistance.