resist
Definition
Example
"She tried to resist the urge to check her phone during the important meeting."
"The building was specially designed to resist earthquakes and strong winds."
"Teenagers often resist their parents advice as they seek more independence and freedom."
Explanation
Resist means to oppose something strongly or to try not to give in to a temptation or outside force. People resist change because it often feels uncomfortable and unfamiliar at first. Soldiers resist enemy attacks by defending their positions bravely. You might resist eating a second piece of cake when you are on a strict diet to lose weight. Resistance can be physical like pushing back or mental like not believing lies. The word often implies effort and determination to not do what is easy or expected by others.