Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RE-SIST', v.t. [rezist'; L. resisto; re and sisto, to stand; Fr. resister; Sp. resistir; It. resistere.]

1. Literally, to stand against; to withstand; hence, to act in opposition, or to oppose. A dam or mound resists a current of water passively, by standing unmoved and interrupting its progress. An army resists the progress of an enemy actively, by encountering and defeating it. We resist measures by argument or remonstrance. Why doth he yet find fault? for who hath resisted his will? – Rom. ix.
2. To strive against; to endeavor to counteract, defeat or frustrate. Ye do always resist the Holy Spirit. – Acts vii.
3. To baffle; to disappoint. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. – James iv.