How to Say "defies" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “defies” is “resiste” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Este material resiste el calor y la humedad.
This material resists heat and humidity.
Él siempre resiste la tentación de comer dulces.
He always resists the temptation to eat sweets.
¡Resiste! Ya casi llegamos a la cima de la montaña.
Resist! We are almost at the top of the mountain.
Two Roles for 'Resiste'
The form 'resiste' can be a statement about a third person ('Ella resiste' - She resists) or an informal command to 'tú' ('¡Resiste!' - Resist!).
Transitive vs. Intransitive
'Resistir' can be used with a direct thing receiving the action ('resiste el frío' - resists the cold) or alone ('El edificio resiste' - The building holds up).
Using 'Resistir' for Emotional Defense
Mistake: “Intento resistir mi tristeza. (I try to resist my sadness.)”
Correction: Intento contener mi tristeza. ('Resistir' usually implies physical or external force; 'contener' or 'reprimir' is better for internal emotions.)
Related Translations
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