- resistance
-
I. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. an act or instance of resisting ; opposition
b. a means of resisting
2. the power or capacity to resist: as
a. the inherent ability of an organism to resist harmful influences (as disease, toxic agents, or infection)
b. the capacity of a species or strain of microorganism to survive exposure to a toxic agent (as a drug) formerly effective against it
3. an opposing or retarding force
4.
a. the opposition offered by a body or substance to the passage through it of a steady electric current
b. a source of resistance
5. a psychological defense mechanism wherein a patient rejects, denies, or otherwise opposes the therapeutic efforts of a psychotherapist
6. often capitalized an underground organization of a conquered or nearly conquered country engaging in sabotage and secret operations against occupation forces and collaborators
II. adjective
Date: 1976
of, relating to, or being exercise involving pushing against a source of resistance (as a weight) to increase strength <resistance training>
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
