# resisting

/ɹiˈzɪstɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɪstɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/resisting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. opposing a force or change

verb · CEFR B2

fighting against someone or something that is attacking you or trying to change things.

For teachers: exerting force or influence to oppose an external pressure, attack, or proposed change.

- The local community is resisting the plan to build a new highway through the park.
- By resisting the hostile takeover, the board of directors demonstrated their commitment to the company's long-term independence and original mission.

Usage: Often used with a direct object representing the force or change being opposed.

### 2. stopping an impulse

verb · CEFR B2

stopping yourself from doing something that you find attractive or tempting.

For teachers: exercising self-control to refrain from an action, desire, or temptation.

- I am resisting the urge to buy that expensive watch until I save more money.
- Resisting the temptation to intervene, the mentor allowed the student to navigate the complex problem independently to build confidence.

Usage: Commonly followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (the '-ing' form).

### 3. the act of opposition

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of fighting back or refusing to follow orders.

For teachers: the action of opposing something or someone; used as a gerund to describe the state of defiance.

- Their resisting of the new rules led to a long discussion with the manager.
- The persistent resisting of colonial authority by the local population eventually forced a complete reassessment of the region's administrative policies.

Teaching tip: While 'resistance' is the more common noun, the gerund 'resisting' is used when focusing on the ongoing action.

## Examples

- She is resisting the urge to eat the chocolate.
- The local community is resisting the plan to build a new highway through the park.
- By resisting the pressure to conform to industry standards, the small studio managed to produce a truly unique and innovative piece of software.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.