resistance

(ri-zis′tăns)

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[L. resistere, to remain standing]

1. Opposition to a disease, a toxin, or to a physical force.
2. In psychoanalysis, a condition in which the ego avoids bringing into consciousness conflicts and unpleasant events responsible for neurosis; the reluctance of a patient to give up old patterns of thought and behavior. It may take various forms such as silence, failure to remember dreams, forgetfulness, and undue annoyance with trivial aspects of the treatment situation.
3. Force applied to a body part by weights, machinery, or another person during strength-building exercise.

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