Resist (verb)

1. Withstand the action or effect of (something).
2. Oppose or refuse to comply with (something) actively.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french resister or latin resistere, from re- "back" + sistere "to stand".

Examples:

1. The material is designed to resist wear and tear.
2. The president has pledged to resist any further cuts in education funding.
3. I tried to resist the temptation to sneak a piece of cake.
4. The medicine helps the body resist infections.
5. The rebels are resisting the government's attempts to regain control of the region.