German word

widerstehen

Pronunciation

IPA/viːdɐˈʃteːən/

Meaning

  • verbresist

Example

Ich widerstehe dem Druck.

I resist the pressure.

Illustration for widerstehen (resist)

More examples

Wir widerstehen der Werbung und kaufen nichts.

We resist advertising and buy nothing.

Core concept

A person stands firm as pressure pushes from outside and temptation pulls from within.

Common phrases

  • widerstehen dem Druck

    withstand the pressure

  • widerstehen der Werbung

    resist advertising

  • widerstehen dem Trend

    go against the trend

Similar words

ablehnen: To decline an offer or proposal.
widersprechen: To verbally express disagreement with someone's statement.
standhalten: To endure pressure or difficulties and keep going.
sich wehren: To protect oneself by resisting an attack or unfair treatment.

Definition in German

widerstehen beschreibt das aktive Entgegentreten gegenüber äußerem oder innerem Druck, sodass man nicht nachgibt.

Word origin

German widerstehen comes from Old High German widarstān, formed from widar 'against' and stān 'stand'.

Usage tips

  • Widerstehen takes the dative, as in dem Druck, not the accusative.

Other meanings

  • withstandverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Widerstandresistancenoun
  • Widerstandsfähigkeitresiliencenoun

Word lists with this word