1 : refusal to accept something new or different [noncount] — often + from ▪ She sensed resistance from some of the staff regarding the changes in policy. — often + to ▪ There was a lot of resistance to the plan when it was first suggested. [singular] ▪ They have shown a stubborn resistance to change. 2 [noncount] : effort made to stop or to fight against someone or something
▪ He offered no resistance when he was arrested. [=he did not try to prevent himself from being arrested] ▪ The troops met heavy/stiff resistance as they approached the city. — see also passive resistance 3 : the ability to prevent something from having an effect [noncount] ▪ The paint shows good weather resistance. — often + to ▪ the body's resistance to disease [singular] ▪ Over time the patient/infection could develop a resistance to the drug. 4 [noncount] : a force that slows down a moving object (such as an airplane) by going against the direction in which the object is moving
▪ reducing wind resistance 5 or Resistance [singular] : a secret organization that fights against enemy forces who have gained control of a region, country, etc.
▪ a member of the French Resistance ▪ resistance forces 6 [noncount] technical : the ability of a substance to prevent electricity from passing through it
▪ electrical resistance