sich widersetzen
to resist
To actively resist a person, an order, a law, or an instruction and refuse to obey.
EXAMPLE
Er widersetzte sich der Festnahme durch die Polizei.
He resisted arrest by the police.
widersetzen
to resist / oppose
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed case: dative
The verb 'sich widersetzen' (to resist) is always used with the dative. So you resist *something* or *someone*.
EXAMPLE
Die Mitarbeiter widersetzten sich der neuen Regelung.
The employees resisted the new regulation.
Reflexive verb
This verb is reflexive, meaning it is always used with a reflexive pronoun (sich, mich, dich, etc.). The pronoun must match the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich widersetze mich diesem unsinnigen Plan.
I am resisting this absurd plan.
Word formation
The word consists of the prefix 'wider-' (against) and the verb 'setzen' (to set/put). So, figuratively, you 'set' yourself 'against' an instruction or a person.
EXAMPLE
Mutig widersetzte sich die kleine Gruppe der großen Armee.
The small group bravely resisted the large army.
In real life
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