The word "resist" is a verb that generally means to withstand, oppose, or fight against something. It can involve refusing to accept or be changed by something, actively opposing or fighting against an attack or influence, or withstanding the effect of something harmful or undesirable. For example, one might resist temptation, resist arrest, or resist infection by a disease. It can also mean to refrain from doing something despite temptation, such as resisting the urge to eat sweets
. In addition to these general meanings, "resist" has a specialized meaning in manufacturing and art. A "resist" is a substance applied to parts of an object to protect those parts from being affected by a subsequent process, such as dyeing or etching. For instance, in textile dyeing techniques like batik or tie-dye, wax or grease is used as a resist to prevent dye from coloring certain areas, creating patterns. Similarly, in pottery, wax can be used as a resist to keep some areas free from glaze. This technique is also used in microelectronics, such as photoresists in semiconductor fabrication
. In summary, "resist" can mean:
- To oppose, withstand, or fight against something (e.g., change, attack, temptation)
- To refrain from doing something despite temptation
- A protective substance used in artistic or manufacturing processes to create patterns by preventing certain areas from being affected
This broad usage stems from the Latin root resistere , meaning "to stand firm" or "to take a stand"
