re ‧ sist ‧ ance S3 W3 /rɪˈzɪst ə ns/ BrE AmE noun
1 . AGAINST CHANGE [singular, uncountable] a refusal to accept new ideas or changes
resistance to
people’s resistance to change
resistance from
The no-smoking policy was introduced with little resistance from staff.
2 . FIGHTING [singular, uncountable] fighting against someone who is attacking you
put up/offer resistance
Rebel gunmen have put up strong resistance.
3 . AGAINST INFECTION/ILLNESS [singular, uncountable] the natural ability of a person, animal, or plant to stop diseases or difficult conditions from harming them
resistance to
the body’s resistance to infection
disease resistance
4 . wind/air/water resistance the way in which wind, air, or water can cause a moving object such as a car, plane, or boat to slow down
5 . ELECTRICITY [uncountable] the ability of a substance to stop the flow of an electric current through it
6 . the resistance ( also the Resistance ) an organization that secretly fights against an enemy that controls their country
7 . the line/path of least resistance if you follow the path of least resistance, you avoid making difficult decisions and choose the easiest solution to a problem – often used to show disapproval:
Many people don’t make changes because they’re following the path of least resistance.
Kirk always just takes the line of least resistance.
⇨ ↑ passive resistance
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ adjectives
▪ strong resistance
He prepared for strong resistance to the changes.
▪ stiff resistance (=strong resistance)
The city government is facing some stiff resistance.
▪ considerable resistance (=fairly strong resistance)
The proposals met with considerable resistance from our American colleagues.
▪ fierce resistance
Endeavours to change their religion had provoked fierce resistance.
▪ stubborn resistance
The stubborn resistance of the people remains an inspiring example.
▪ heroic resistance
The threat of invasion drew the Greek cities together in heroic resistance to the Persians.
▪ token resistance (=not great or sincere)
He put up only a token resistance.
▪ passive resistance (=a way of protesting against something or opposing a government without using violence)
Suffragettes resorted to passive resistance as the only weapon at their disposal.
■ verbs
▪ put up resistance (=resist someone or something)
If the rest of us are agreed, I don’t think he’ll put up much resistance.
▪ offer resistance
The demonstrators offered no resistance.
▪ meet (with) resistance ( also encounter resistance formal ) (=be resisted)
Attempts to modify the curriculum have met with strong resistance in many colleges.
|
The troops advanced swiftly, encountering only minor resistance.
▪ overcome resistance (=fight and win against it)
How can he overcome resistance to the idea in Congress?
▪ crush resistance (=end it by force)
He added that any resistance would be crushed.
■ resistance + NOUN
▪ the resistance movement (=all the people who work together to resist military forces controlling their country)
Members of the resistance movement were arrested and shot.
▪ a resistance group
The resistance groups are well armed.
▪ a resistance fighter
Resistance fighters had captured a German officer.