resistance
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resistance
Active resistance or defense against a physical attack or violent act.
Der Angegriffene leistete heftige Gegenwehr und konnte den Täter in die Flucht schlagen.
The person who was attacked put up fierce resistance and was able to drive the perpetrator away.
opposition
Abstract or verbal resistance to a plan, decision, or change.
Der neue Vorschlag stieß bei den Mitarbeitern auf unerwartet starke Gegenwehr.
The new proposal met with unexpectedly strong opposition from the employees.
The word is made up of the preposition 'gegen' (against) and the noun 'Wehr' (defense). So it literally means 'defense against' something and is related to the verb 'sich wehren' (to defend oneself / resist).
Ohne Gegenwehr ließ sich der Dieb festnehmen.
The thief allowed himself to be arrested without resistance.
'Gegenwehr' (resistance) is very often used with the verb 'leisten' (to put up / offer) when referring to active resistance. When someone is confronted with resistance, the phrase is 'auf Gegenwehr stoßen' (to meet with resistance).
Der Einbrecher rechnete nicht damit, dass der Hund Gegenwehr leisten würde.
The burglar did not expect the dog to put up resistance.
The noun 'Gegenwehr' (resistance) is used almost exclusively in the singular. Even if there are several acts of resistance, people generally speak of 'Gegenwehr' (resistance).
Die Demonstranten leisteten über Stunden hinweg Gegenwehr.
The demonstrators put up resistance for hours.
The context makes clear whether physical defense or abstract resistance is meant. If it is about violence, it is physical (m01). If it is about plans or ideas, it is abstract (m02).
Das Opfer konnte sich dank seiner Gegenwehr befreien.
Thanks to his resistance, the victim was able to free himself.
resistance
Widerstand can be understood generally or as active resistance to an attack. Gegenwehr refers more narrowly to immediate defense against a physical or violent attack. Use Gegenwehr when the reaction is direct, and Widerstand when the resistance is described more generally.
Das Opfer setzte sich mit heftiger Gegenwehr gegen den Angreifer zur Wehr.
The victim fought back fiercely against the attacker.
Das Opfer leistete dem Angreifer entschlossenen Widerstand.
The victim put up determined resistance against the attacker.
