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résister
/ʁe.zis.te/
to resist
Il a résisté à la tentation.
He resisted the temptation.
neutral
To withstand or oppose something forcefully, especially against pressure, temptation, or authority.
Les soldats ont résisté à l'ennemi pendant des heures.
The soldiers resisted the enemy for hours.
Elle a du mal à résister aux desserts.
She struggles to resist desserts.
Often used with 'à' (to resist something). Can imply physical, emotional, or moral opposition.
neutral
To endure or persist despite difficulty or adversity.
Ce matériau résiste à la corrosion.
This material resists corrosion.
Common in technical contexts, e.g., materials science.
Collocations
résister à la tentationto resist temptationrésister à l'autoritéto resist authorityrésister à la fatigueto resist fatiguerésister à la pressionto withstand pressure
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Preposition Usage
Always use 'à' after 'résister' when indicating what is being resisted (e.g., 'résister à la douleur' = to resist pain).
Gold Rule
Contextual Meaning
In everyday speech, 'résister' often implies active opposition (e.g., resisting an urge). In technical contexts, it can mean 'to withstand' (e.g., materials resisting wear).
Word Origin
From Latin *resistere* (to stand back, oppose), from *re-* (back) + *sistere* (to stand). Entered French in the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Used in both literal (physical resistance) and figurative (mental/emotional) contexts. Often followed by 'à' + noun or infinitive verb.
Word Breakdown
re-
back, against
prefix-sistere
to stand
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais