resistance
Loading your saved state.
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.
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' and 'Gegenwehr' both mean that someone defends themselves or resists something. 'Widerstand' is broader and can be a longer-term attitude, a political movement, or a personal act of opposing something. 'Gegenwehr' often sounds more direct and immediate: someone actively reacts to an attack, pressure, or a measure. For physical attacks, 'Gegenwehr' fits especially well. With plans or decisions, it can also be meant abstractly. In short: 'Widerstand' can be an ongoing attitude, while 'Gegenwehr' is usually the active reaction.
Die Verkäuferin rief um Hilfe, weil der Dieb trotz Gegenwehr nicht losließ.
The saleswoman called for help because the thief would not let go despite her resistance.
Nach der Ankündigung der Behörde entstand Widerstand in der ganzen Stadt.
After the authority's announcement, resistance arose throughout the city.