widersetzen
Translation
to resist, to oppose, to defy
Examples
Er widersetzte sich der Anweisung.
He resisted the instruction.
Die Bürger widersetzten sich dem neuen Gesetz.
The citizens opposed the new law.
Grammar Patterns
((sich dat.)) ((sth. dat.)) to resist sth. He resisted the instruction.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sich wehren, entgegentreten; Antonyms: gehorchen, sich fügen
Etymology
From 'wider' (against) and 'setzen' (to set/put). To 'set oneself against' something.
Memory Tips
Picture setting yourself against something. It's a reflexive verb (sich widersetzen) and takes a dative object.