resist

Universal Words verb 1 to refuse to accept sth and try to stop it from happening: [VN] to resist change * They are determined to resist pressure to change the law. * She steadfastly resisted all attempts to help her. * I believe we should resist calls for tighter controls. * [V-ing] The bank strongly resisted cutting interest rates. [also V] 2 to fight back when attacked; to use force to stop sth from happening: [V] He tried to pin me down, but I resisted. * [VN] She was charged with resisting arrest. 3 (usually in negative sentences) to stop yourself from having sth you like or doing sth you very much want to do: [VN] I finished the cake. I couldn't resist it. * I found the temptation to miss the class too hard to resist. * Eric couldn't resist a smile when she finally agreed. * [V-ing] He couldn't resist showing off his new car. [also V] 4 [VN] to not be harmed or damaged by sth: A healthy diet should help your body resist infection. * This new paint is designed to resist heat.