Definitions & Meanings - English Dictionary

re|paid / rɪp'eɪd / Repaid is the past tense and past participle of repay .

♦ re|pair / rɪp'eə r / (repairs repairing repaired) 1 [VERB] V n, have n V-ed If you repair something that has been damaged or is not working properly, you mend it. Goldsmith has repaired the roof to ensure the house is wind-proof... A woman drove her car to the garage to have it repaired. ● repairer [N-COUNT] usu n N ...TV repairers. 2 [VERB] V n If you repair a relationship or someone's reputation after it has been damaged, you do something to improve it. The government continued to try to repair the damage caused by the minister's interview... 3 [N-VAR] A repair is something that you do to mend a machine, building, piece of clothing, or other thing that has been damaged or is not working properly. Many women know how to carry out repairs on their cars... There is no doubt now that her marriage is beyond repair. 4 [VERB] V to n If someone repairs to a particular place, they go there. (FORMAL) We then repaired to the pavilion for...

re|pair|man / rɪp'eə r mæn / (repairmen) [N-COUNT] usu supp N A repairman is a man who mends broken machines such as televisions and telephones. ...a cheerful telephone repairman.

repa|ra|tion / r'epər'eɪʃ ə n / (reparations) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl Reparations are sums of money that are paid after a war by the defeated country for the damage and injuries it caused in other countries. Israel accepted billions of dollars in war reparations. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Reparation is help or payment that someone gives you for damage, loss, or suffering that they have caused you. There is a clear demand amongst victims for some sort of reparation from offenders.

rep|ar|tee / r'epɑː r t'iː, AM -pərt'eɪ / [N-UNCOUNT] Repartee is conversation that consists of quick, witty comments and replies. She was good at repartee.

re|past / rɪp'ɑːst, -p'æst / (repasts) [N-COUNT] A repast is a meal. (LITERARY)

re|pat|ri|ate / r'iːp'ætrieɪt, AM -p'eɪt- / (repatriates repatriating repatriated) [VERB] V n If a country repatriates someone, it sends them back to their home country. It was not the policy of the government to repatriate genuine refugees... ● repatriation [N-VAR] ...the forced repatriation of Vietnamese boat people.

re|pay / rɪp'eɪ / (repays repaying repaid) 1 [VERB] V n If you repay a loan or a debt, you pay back the money that you owe to the person who you borrowed or took it from. He advanced funds of his own to his company, which was unable to repay him. 2 [VERB] V n If you repay a favour that someone did for you, you do something for them in return. It was very kind. I don't know how I can ever repay you...

re|pay|able / rɪp'eɪəb ə l / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ A loan that is repayable within a certain period of time must be paid back within that time. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use payable ) The loan is repayable over twenty years.

re|pay|ment / rɪp'eɪmənt / (repayments) 1 [N-COUNT] Repayments are amounts of money which you pay at regular intervals to a person or organization in order to repay a debt. They were unable to meet their mortgage repayments... 2 [N-UNCOUNT] The repayment of money is the act or process of paying it back to the person you owe it to. He failed to meet last Friday's deadline for repayment of a £114m loan...

re|peal / rɪp'iːl / (repeals repealing repealed) [VERB] V n If the government repeals a law, it officially ends it, so that it is no longer valid. The government has just repealed the law segregating public facilities. [N-UNCOUNT] N of n Repeal is also a noun. Next year will be the 60th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.

♦♦ re|peat / rɪp'iːt / (repeats repeating repeated) 1 [VERB] V that, V n, V with quote If you repeat something, you say or write it again. You can say I repeat to show that you feel strongly about what you are repeating. He repeated that he had been mis-quoted... The Libyan leader Colonel Gadaffi repeated his call for the release of hostages... `You fool,' she kept repeating. 2 [VERB] V n, V n to n, V after n with quote If you repeat something that someone else has said or written, you say or write the same thing, or tell it to another person. She had an irritating habit of repeating everything I said to her... I trust you not to repeat that to anyone else... Now, brother, repeat after me, `All praise to Allah, Lord of All the Worlds'. 3 [VERB] V pron-refl If you repeat yourself , you say something which you have said before, usually by mistake. Then he started rambling and repeating himself. 4 [VERB] V n, V If you repeat an actio...

re|peat|ed / rɪp'iːtɪd / [ADJ] ADJ n Repeated actions or events are ones which happen many times. Mr Lawssi apparently did not return the money, despite repeated reminders... = frequent

re|peat|ed|ly / rɪp'iːtɪdli / [ADV] ADV with v If you do something repeatedly , you do it many times. Both men have repeatedly denied the allegations...

re|pel / rɪp'el / (repels repelling repelled) 1 [VERB] V n When an army repels an attack, they successfully fight and drive back soldiers from another army who have attacked them. (FORMAL) They have fifty thousand troops along the border ready to repel any attack. 2 [V-RECIP] pl-n V, V n When a magnetic pole repels another magnetic pole, it gives out a force that pushes the other pole away. You can also say that two magnetic poles repel each other or that they repel . (TECHNICAL) Like poles repel, unlike poles attract... As these electrons are negatively charged they will attempt to repel each other. 3 [VERB] no cont, V n If something repels you, you find it horrible and disgusting. ...a violent excitement that frightened and repelled her. = revolt ● repelled [ADJ] She was very striking but in some way I felt repelled.

re|pel|lant / rɪp'elənt / see repellent

re|pel|lent / rɪp'elənt / (repellents) The spelling repellant is also used for meaning 2 . 1 [ADJ] If you think that something is horrible and disgusting you can say that it is repellent . (FORMAL) ...a very large, very repellent toad... 2 [N-MASS] usu n N Insect repellent is a product containing chemicals that you spray into the air or on your body in order to keep insects away. ...mosquito repellent.

re|pent / rɪp'ent / (repents repenting repented) [VERB] V, V of/for n If you repent , you show or say that you are sorry for something wrong you have done. Those who refuse to repent, he said, will be punished... Did he repent of anything in his life?

re|pent|ance / rɪp'entəns / [N-UNCOUNT] If you show repentance for something wrong that you have done, you make it clear that you are sorry for doing it. They showed no repentance during their trial. = remorse

re|pent|ant / rɪp'entənt / [ADJ] Someone who is repentant shows or says that they are sorry for something wrong they have done. He was feeling guilty and depressed, repentant and scared. ≠ unrepentant

re|per|cus|sion / r'iːpə r k'ʌʃ ə n / (repercussions) [N-COUNT] usu pl If an action or event has repercussions , it causes unpleasant things to happen some time after the original action or event. (FORMAL) It was an effort which was to have painful repercussions... = consequence

rep|er|toire / r'epə r twɑː r / (repertoires) 1 [N-COUNT] usu sing, with supp A performer's repertoire is all the plays or pieces of music that he or she has learned and can perform. Meredith D'Ambrosio has thousands of songs in her repertoire. 2 [N-SING] with supp The repertoire of a person or thing is all the things of a particular kind that the person or thing is capable of doing. ...Mike's impressive repertoire of funny stories...

rep|er|tory / r'epə r tri, AM -tɔːri / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] usu N n A repertory company is a group of actors and actresses who perform a small number of plays for just a few weeks at a time. They work in a repertory theatre. ...a well-known repertory company in Boston... 2 [N-SING] usu poss N A performer's repertory is all the plays or pieces of music that he or she has learned and can perform. Her repertory was vast and to her it seemed that each song told some part of her life. = repertoire

rep|eti|tion / r'epɪt'ɪʃ ə n / (repetitions) 1 [N-VAR] usu N of n If there is a repetition of an event, usually an undesirable event, it happens again. Today the city government has taken measures to prevent a repetition of last year's confrontation... 2 [N-VAR] Repetition means using the same words again. He could also have cut out much of the repetition and thus saved many pages.

rep|eti|tious / r'epɪt'ɪʃəs / [ADJ] Something that is repetitious involves actions or elements that are repeated many times and is therefore boring. The manifesto is long-winded, repetitious and often ambiguous or poorly drafted. = repetitive

re|peti|tive / rɪp'etɪtɪv / 1 [ADJ] Something that is repetitive involves actions or elements that are repeated many times and is therefore boring. ...factory workers who do repetitive jobs... 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Repetitive movements or sounds are repeated many times. ...problems that occur as the result of repetitive movements. re|peti|tive strain in|ju|ry [N-UNCOUNT] Repetitive strain injury is the same as RSI . ...computer users suffering from repetitive strain injury.

re|phrase / r'iːfr'eɪz / (rephrases rephrasing rephrased) [VERB] V n If you rephrase a question or statement, you ask it or say it again in a different way. Again, the executive rephrased the question.

♦♦ re|place / rɪpl'eɪs / (replaces replacing replaced) 1 [VERB] V n, V n as n, be V-ed with/by n If one thing or person replaces another, the first is used or acts instead of the second. The council tax replaces the poll tax next April. ...the city lawyer who replaced Bob as chairman of the company... The smile disappeared to be replaced by a doleful frown. 2 [VERB] V n with/by n, V n If you replace one thing or person with another, you put something or someone else in their place to do their job. I clean out all the grease and replace it with oil so it works better in very low temperatures... The BBC decided it could not replace her. 3 [VERB] V n If you replace something that is broken, damaged, or lost, you get a new one to use instead. The shower that we put in a few years back has broken and we cannot afford to replace it. 4 [VERB] V n, V n prep If you replace something, you put it back where it was before. The line went dead. Whitlock...

re|place|able / rɪpl'eɪsəb ə l / 1 [ADJ] If something is replaceable , you can throw it away when it is finished and put a new one in its place. ...replaceable butane gas cartridges. = disposable 2 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ If you say that someone is replaceable , you mean that they are not so important that someone else could not take their place. He would see I was not so easily replaceable. ≠ irreplaceable

♦ re|place|ment / rɪpl'eɪsmənt / (replacements) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] with supp If you refer to the replacement of one thing by another, you mean that the second thing takes the place of the first. ...the replacement of damaged or lost books. see also hormone replacement therapy 2 [N-COUNT] Someone who takes someone else's place in an organization, government, or team can be referred to as their replacement . Taylor has nominated Adams as his replacement... hor|mone re|place|ment thera|py [N-UNCOUNT] usu N n If a woman has hormone replacement therapy , she takes the hormone oestrogen, usually in order to control the symptoms of the menopause. The abbreviation HRT is often used. re|place|ment value [N-SING] The replacement value of something that you own is the amount of money it would cost you to replace it, for example if it was stolen or damaged.

re|play (replays replaying replayed) The verb is pronounced / r'iːpl'eɪ / The noun is pronounced / r'iːpleɪ / 1 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed If a match between two sports teams is replayed , the two teams play it again, because neither team won the first time, or because the match was stopped because of bad weather. (mainly BRIT) Drawn matches were replayed three or four days later. [N-COUNT] You can refer to a match that is replayed as a replay . If there has to be a replay we are confident of victory. 2 [VERB] V n If you replay something that you have recorded on film or tape, you play it again in order to watch it or listen to it. He stopped the machine and replayed the message. [N-COUNT] Replay is also a noun. I watched a slow-motion videotape replay of his fall. 3 [VERB] V n If you replay an event in your mind, you think about it again and again. She spends her nights lying in bed, replaying the fire in her mind. 4 see also actio...

re|plen|ish / rɪpl'enɪʃ / (replenishes replenishing replenished) [VERB] V n If you replenish something, you make it full or complete again. (FORMAL) Three hundred thousand tons of cereals are needed to replenish stocks...

re|plen|ish|ment / rɪpl'enɪʃmənt / [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp Replenishment is the process by which something is made full or complete again. (FORMAL) There is a concern about replenishment of the population.

re|plete / rɪpl'iːt / 1 [ADJ] v-link ADJ with n To be replete with something means to be full of it. (FORMAL) The Harbor was replete with boats... 2 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ If you are replete , you are pleasantly full of food and drink. (FORMAL) Replete, guests can then retire to the modern conservatory for coffee.

rep|li|ca / r'eplɪkə / (replicas) [N-COUNT] usu N of n A replica of something such as a statue, building, or weapon is an accurate copy of it. ...a human-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty...

rep|li|cate / r'eplɪkeɪt / (replicates replicating replicated) [VERB] V n If you replicate someone's experiment, work, or research, you do it yourself in exactly the same way. (FORMAL) He invited her to his laboratory to see if she could replicate the experiment. = duplicate

♦♦ re|ply / rɪpl'aɪ / (replies replying replied) 1 [VERB] V with quote, V that, V, V to n When you reply to something that someone has said or written to you, you say or write an answer to them. `That's a nice dress,' said Michael. `Thanks,' she replied solemnly... He replied that this was absolutely impossible... Grace was too terrified to reply... To their surprise, hundreds replied to the advertisement. = answer 2 [N-COUNT] oft N to/from n, also in N A reply is something that you say or write when you answer someone or answer a letter or advertisement. I called out a challenge, but there was no reply... David has had 12 replies to his ad... He said in reply that the question was unfair. = response 3 [VERB] V with n, V to n with n If you reply to something such as an attack with violence or with another action, you do something in response. Farmers threw eggs and empty bottles at police, who replied with tear gas... T...

♦♦♦ re|port / rɪp'ɔː r t / (reports reporting reported) 1 [VERB] V n, V n to n, V that, V with quote, be V-ed as -ing/-ed, V n adj, be V-ed to-inf If you report something that has happened, you tell people about it. They had been called in to clear drains after local people reported a foul smell... I reported the theft to the police... The officials also reported that two more ships were apparently heading for Malta... `He seems to be all right now,' reported a relieved Taylor... The foreign secretary is reported as saying that force will have to be used if diplomacy fails... She reported him missing the next day... Between forty and fifty people are reported to have died in the fighting. 2 [VERB] V on n, V to n If you report on an event or subject, you tell people about it, because it is your job or duty to do so. Many journalists enter the country to report on political affairs... I'll now call at the vicarage and report to you in du...

re|port|age / rɪp'ɔː r tɪdʒ, r'epɔː r t'ɑːʒ / [N-UNCOUNT] Reportage is the reporting of news and other events of general interest for newspapers, television, and radio. (FORMAL) ...the magazine's acclaimed mix of reportage and fashion.

re|port|ed clause (reported clauses) [N-COUNT] A reported clause is a subordinate clause that indicates what someone said or thought. For example, in `She said that she was hungry', `she was hungry' is a reported clause. (BRIT) re|port|ed ques|tion (reported questions) [N-COUNT] A reported question is a question which is reported using a clause beginning with a word such as `why' or `whether', as in `I asked her why she'd done it'. (BRIT) = indirect question re|port|ed speech [N-UNCOUNT] Reported speech is speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person's actual words: for example, `They said you didn't like it', `I asked him what his plans were', and `Citizens complained about the smoke'. (BRIT; in AM, use indirect discourse ) = indirect speech

re|port|ed|ly / rɪp'ɔː r tɪdli / [ADV] ADV with cl/group, ADV before v If you say that something is reportedly true, you mean that someone has said that it is true, but you have no direct evidence of it. (FORMAL) More than two hundred people have reportedly been killed in the past week's fighting...

♦♦ re|port|er / rɪp'ɔː r tə r / (reporters) [N-COUNT] A reporter is someone who writes news articles or who broadcasts news reports. ...a TV reporter. ...a trainee sports reporter... cub re|port|er (cub reporters) [N-COUNT] A cub reporter is a young newspaper journalist who is still being trained. He had been a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star.

♦♦ re|port|ing / rɪp'ɔː r tɪŋ / [N-UNCOUNT] Reporting is the presenting of news in newspapers, on radio, and on television. ...honest and impartial political reporting. re|port|ing clause (reporting clauses) [N-COUNT] A reporting clause is a clause which indicates that you are talking about what someone said or thought. For example, in `She said that she was hungry', `She said' is a reporting clause. (BRIT)

re|pose / rɪp'oʊz / [N-UNCOUNT] Repose is a state in which you are resting and feeling calm. (LITERARY) He had a still, almost blank face in repose...

re|po|si|tion / r'iːpəz'ɪʃən / (repositions repositioning repositioned) 1 [VERB] V n To reposition an object means to move it to another place or to change its position. It is not possible to reposition the carpet without damaging it. 2 [VERB] V n, V pron-refl To reposition something such as a product or service means to try to interest more or different people in it, for example by changing certain things about it or the way it is marketed. The sell-off is aimed at repositioning the company as a publisher principally of business information... Mazda needs to reposition itself if it is to boost its sales and reputation.

re|posi|tory / rɪp'ɒzɪtri, AM -tɔːri / (repositories) [N-COUNT] usu N for n A repository is a place where something is kept safely. (FORMAL) A church in Moscow became a repository for police files. = store

re|pos|sess / r'iːpəz'es / (repossesses repossessing repossessed) [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed If your car or house is repossessed , the people who supplied it take it back because they are still owed money for it. His car was repossessed by the company...

re|pos|ses|sion / r'iːpəz'eʃ ə n / (repossessions) 1 [N-VAR] The repossession of someone's house is the act of repossessing it. ...the problem of home repossessions. 2 [N-COUNT] You can refer to a house or car that has been repossessed as a repossession . Many of the cars you will see at auction are repossessions. re|pos|ses|sion or|der (repossession orders) [N-COUNT] If a bank or building society issues a repossession order , they officially tell someone that they are going to repossess their home. (BRIT)

re|pot / r'iːp'ɒt / (repots repotting repotted) [VERB] V n If you repot a plant, you take it out of its pot and put it in a larger one. As your plants flourish, you'll need to repot them in bigger pots.

rep|re|hen|sible / r'eprɪh'ensɪb ə l / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ If you think that a type of behaviour or an idea is very bad and morally wrong, you can say that it is reprehensible . (FORMAL) Mr Cramer said the violence by anti-government protestors was reprehensible.

♦♦ rep|re|sent / r'eprɪz'ent / (represents representing represented) 1 [VERB] V n If someone such as a lawyer or a politician represents a person or group of people, they act on behalf of that person or group. ...the politicians we elect to represent us... 2 [VERB] V n If you represent a person or group at an official event, you go there on their behalf. The general secretary may represent the president at official ceremonies. 3 [VERB] V n If you represent your country or town in a competition or sports event, you take part in it on behalf of the country or town where you live. My only aim is to represent Britain at the Olympics. 4 [V-PASSIVE] be adv V-ed, be V-ed If a group of people or things is well represented in a particular activity or in a particular place, a lot of them can be found there. Women are already well represented in the area of TV drama... In New Mexico all kinds of cuisines are represented. 5 [V-LINK] V n If you say ...

rep|re|sen|ta|tion / r'eprɪzent'eɪʃ ə n / (representations) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N prep If a group or person has representation in a parliament or on a committee, someone in the parliament or on the committee supports them and makes decisions on their behalf. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but they have no representation in Congress. see also proportional representation 2 [N-COUNT] usu N of n You can describe a picture, model, or statue of a person or thing as a representation of them. (FORMAL) ...a lifelike representation of Christ... 3 [N-PLURAL] oft N to/from n If you make representations to a government or other official group, you make formal complaints or requests to them. We have made representations to ministers but they just don't seem to be listening. pro|por|tion|al rep|re|sen|ta|tion [N-UNCOUNT] Proportional representation is a system of voting in which each political party is represented in a parliament or legislature in proport...

rep|re|sen|ta|tion|al / r'eprɪzent'eɪʃən ə l / [ADJ] In a representational painting, the artist attempts to show things as they really are. (FORMAL) His painting went through both representational and abstract periods.

♦♦ rep|re|senta|tive / r'eprɪz'entətɪv / (representatives) 1 [N-COUNT] A representative is a person who has been chosen to act or make decisions on behalf of another person or a group of people. ...trade union representatives... 2 [N-COUNT] usu with supp A representative is a person whose job is to sell a company's products or services, especially by travelling round and visiting other companies. (FORMAL) She had a stressful job as a sales representative. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n A representative group consists of a small number of people who have been chosen to make decisions on behalf of a larger group. The new head of state should be chosen by an 87 member representative council. 4 [ADJ] oft ADJ of n Someone who is typical of the group to which they belong can be described as representative . He was in no way representative of dog-trainers in general. ● representativeness [N-UNCOUNT] ...a process designed to ensure the representativeness of the ...

re|press / rɪpr'es / (represses repressing repressed) 1 [VERB] V n, V-ed If you repress a feeling, you make a deliberate effort not to show or have this feeling. It is anger that is repressed that leads to violence and loss of control. ...repressed aggression. = suppress 2 [VERB] V n If you repress a smile, sigh, or moan, you try hard not to smile, sigh, or moan. I couldn't repress a sigh of admiration. 3 [VERB] V n If a section of society is repressed , their freedom is restricted by the people who have authority over them. ...a UN resolution banning him from repressing his people.

re|pressed / rɪpr'est / [ADJ] A repressed person is someone who does not allow themselves to have natural feelings and desires, especially sexual ones. Some have charged that the Puritans were sexually repressed and inhibited.

re|pres|sion / rɪpr'eʃ ə n / (repressions) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl Repression is the use of force to restrict and control a society or other group of people. ...a society conditioned by violence and repression. = oppression 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Repression of feelings, especially sexual ones, is a person's unwillingness to allow themselves to have natural feelings and desires. ...the repression of his feelings about men.

re|pres|sive / rɪpr'esɪv / [ADJ] A repressive government is one that restricts people's freedom and controls them by using force. The military regime in power was unpopular and repressive. ● repressively [ADV] ADV with v ...the country, which had been repressively ruled for ten years.

re|prieve / rɪpr'iːv / (reprieves reprieving reprieved) 1 [VERB] usu passive, no cont, be V-ed If someone who has been sentenced in a court is reprieved , their punishment is officially delayed or cancelled. Fourteen people, waiting to be hanged for the murder of a former prime minister, have been reprieved. [N-VAR] Reprieve is also a noun A man awaiting death by lethal injection has been saved by a last minute reprieve. 2 [N-COUNT] usu sing A reprieve is a delay before a very unpleasant or difficult situation which may or may not take place. It looked as though the college would have to shut, but this week it was given a reprieve.

rep|ri|mand / r'eprɪmɑːnd, -m'ænd / (reprimands reprimanding reprimanded) [VERB] be V-ed for -ing/n, V n If someone is reprimanded , they are spoken to angrily or seriously for doing something wrong, usually by a person in authority. (FORMAL) He was reprimanded by a teacher for talking in the corridor... Her attempts to reprimand him were quickly shouted down. [N-VAR] Reprimand is also a noun. He has been fined five thousand pounds and given a severe reprimand.

re|print (reprints reprinting reprinted) The verb is pronounced / r'iːpr'ɪnt / The noun is pronounced / r'iːprɪnt / 1 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed If a book is reprinted , further copies of it are printed when all the other ones have been sold. It remained an exceptionally rare book until it was reprinted in 1918. 2 [N-COUNT] A reprint is a process in which new copies of a book or article are printed because all the other ones have been sold. Demand picked up and a reprint was required last November. 3 [N-COUNT] A reprint is a new copy of a book or article, printed because all the other ones have been sold or because minor changes have been made to the original. ...a reprint of a 1962 novel.

re|pris|al / rɪpr'aɪz ə l / (reprisals) [N-VAR] If you do something to a person in reprisal , you hurt or punish them because they have done something violent or unpleasant to you. Witnesses are unwilling to testify through fear of reprisals. = retaliation

re|prise / rɪpr'iːz / (reprises reprising reprised) [N-COUNT] In music, if there is a reprise , an earlier section of music is repeated.

re|proach / rɪpr'oʊtʃ / (reproaches reproaching reproached) 1 [VERB] V n, V n for -ing/n If you reproach someone, you say or show that you are disappointed, upset, or angry because they have done something wrong. She is quick to reproach anyone who doesn't live up to her own high standards... She had not even reproached him for breaking his promise. 2 [N-VAR] If you look at or speak to someone with reproach , you show or say that you are disappointed, upset, or angry because they have done something wrong. He looked at her with reproach... Women in public life must be beyond reproach. 3 [VERB] V pron-refl, V pron-refl for -ing/n If you reproach yourself , you think with regret about something you have done wrong. You've no reason to reproach yourself, no reason to feel shame... We begin to reproach ourselves for not having been more careful. = blame

re|proach|ful / rɪpr'oʊtʃfʊl / [ADJ] Reproachful expressions or remarks show that you are disappointed, upset, or angry because someone has done something wrong. She gave Isabelle a reproachful look... ● reproachfully [ADV] ADV after v Luke's mother stopped smiling and looked reproachfully at him.

rep|ro|bate / r'eprəbeɪt / (reprobates) [N-COUNT] If you describe someone as a reprobate , you mean that they behave in a way that is not respectable or morally correct. (OLD-FASHIONED) ...a drunken reprobate.

re|pro|duce / r'iːprədj'uːs, AM -d'uːs / (reproduces reproducing reproduced) 1 [VERB] V n, V n If you try to reproduce something, you try to copy it. I shall not try to reproduce the policemen's English... The effect has proved hard to reproduce. 2 [VERB] V n If you reproduce a picture, speech, or a piece of writing, you make a photograph or printed copy of it. We are grateful to you for permission to reproduce this article. 3 [VERB] V n If you reproduce an action or an achievement, you repeat it. If we can reproduce the form we have shown in the last couple of months we will be successful. = repeat 4 [VERB] V, V pron-refl When people, animals, or plants reproduce , they produce young. ...a society where women are defined by their ability to reproduce... We are reproducing ourselves at such a rate that our numbers threaten the ecology of the planet. ● reproduction [N-UNCOUNT] Genes are those tiny bits of biological informati...

re|pro|duc|tion / r'iːprəd'ʌkʃ ə n / (reproductions) 1 [N-COUNT] oft N n A reproduction is a copy of something such as a piece of furniture or a work of art. ...a reproduction of a popular religious painting. see also reproduce 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Sound reproduction is the recording of sound onto tapes, CDs, or films so that it can be heard by a large number of people. ...the increasingly high technology of music reproduction.

re|pro|duc|tive / r'iːprəd'ʌktɪv / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Reproductive processes and organs are concerned with the reproduction of living things. ...the female reproductive system.

re|proof / rɪpr'uːf / (reproofs) [N-VAR] If you say or do something in reproof , you say or do it to show that you disapprove of what someone has done or said. (FORMAL) She raised her eyebrows in reproof. ...a reproof that she responded to right away.

re|prove / rɪpr'uːv / (reproves reproving reproved) [VERB] V with quote, V n If you reprove someone, you speak angrily or seriously to them because they have behaved in a wrong or foolish way. (FORMAL) `There's no call for talk like that,' Mrs Evans reproved him... Women were reproved if they did not wear hats in court. = admonish

re|prov|ing / rɪpr'uːvɪŋ / [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you give someone a reproving look or speak in a reproving voice, you show or say that you think they have behaved in a wrong or foolish way. (FORMAL) `Flatterer,' she said giving him a mock reproving look. ● reprovingly [ADV] ADV after v `I'm trying to sleep,' he lied, speaking reprovingly.

rep|tile / r'eptaɪl, AM -tɪl / (reptiles) [N-COUNT] Reptiles are a group of cold-blooded animals which have skins covered with small hard plates called scales and lay eggs. Snakes, lizards, and crocodiles are reptiles.

rep|til|ian / rept'ɪliən / 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n A reptilian creature is a reptile. ...a prehistoric jungle occupied by reptilian creatures. 2 [ADJ] You can also use the word reptilian to describe something that is characteristic of a reptile or that is like a reptile. The chick is ugly and almost reptilian in its appearance.

♦♦ re|pub|lic / rɪp'ʌblɪk / (republics) [N-COUNT] oft in names A republic is a country where power is held by the people or the representatives that they elect. Republics have presidents who are elected, rather than kings or queens. ...the Baltic republics. ...the Republic of Ireland. see also banana republic ba|na|na re|pub|lic (banana republics) [N-COUNT] Small, poor countries that are politically unstable are sometimes referred to as banana republics . (OFFENSIVE)

♦♦ re|pub|li|can / rɪp'ʌblɪkən / (republicans) 1 [ADJ] Republican means relating to a republic. In republican systems of government, power is held by the people or the representatives that they elect. ...the nations that had adopted the republican form of government. 2 [ADJ] In the United States, if someone is Republican , they belong to or support the Republican Party. ...Republican voters... Some families have been republican for generations. [N-COUNT] A Republican is someone who supports or belongs to the Republican Party. What made you decide to become a Republican? 3 [ADJ] In Northern Ireland, if someone is Republican , they believe that Northern Ireland should not be ruled by Britain but should become part of the Republic of Ireland. ...a Republican paramilitary group. [N-COUNT] A Republican is someone who has Republican views. ...a Northern Ireland republican.

re|pub|li|can|ism / rɪp'ʌblɪkənɪzəm / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Republicanism is the belief that the best system of government is a republic. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Republicanism is support for or membership of the Republican Party in the United States.

re|pu|di|ate / rɪpj'uːdieɪt / (repudiates repudiating repudiated) [VERB] V n If you repudiate something or someone, you show that you strongly disagree with them and do not want to be connected with them in any way. (FORMAL or WRITTEN) Leaders urged people to turn out in large numbers to repudiate the violence... = denounce ● repudiation [N-VAR] ...his public repudiation of the conference decision. = denunciation

re|pug|nant / rɪp'ʌgnənt / [ADJ] oft ADJ to n If you think that something is horrible and disgusting, you can say that it is repugnant . (FORMAL) The odour of vitamin in skin is repugnant to insects... ● repugnance [N-UNCOUNT] She felt a deep sense of shame and repugnance. = disgust

re|pulse / rɪp'ʌls / (repulses repulsing repulsed) 1 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed If you are repulsed by something, you think that it is horrible and disgusting and you want to avoid it. Evil has charisma. Though people are repulsed by it, they also are drawn to its power. = repel ≠ attract 2 [VERB] V n If an army or other group repulses a group of people, they drive it back using force. The armed forces were prepared to repulse any attacks.

re|pul|sion / rɪp'ʌlʃ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] Repulsion is an extremely strong feeling of disgust. She gave a dramatic shudder of repulsion. = revulsion

re|pul|sive / rɪp'ʌlsɪv / [ADJ] If you describe something or someone as repulsive , you mean that they are horrible and disgusting and you want to avoid them. ...repulsive fat white slugs. = revolting, disgusting ● repulsively [ADV] ADV adj ...a repulsively large rat.

repu|table / r'epjʊtəb ə l / [ADJ] usu ADJ n A reputable company or person is reliable and can be trusted. You are well advised to buy your car through a reputable dealer.

♦ repu|ta|tion / r'epjʊt'eɪʃ ə n / (reputations) 1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp To have a reputation for something means to be known or remembered for it. Alice Munro has a reputation for being a very depressing writer. 2 [N-COUNT] usu with supp Something's or someone's reputation is the opinion that people have about how good they are. If they have a good reputation, people think they are good. The stories ruined his reputation. 3 [PHRASE] If you know someone by reputation , you have never met them but you have heard of their reputation. She was by reputation a good organiser.

re|pute / rɪpj'uːt / 1 [PHRASE] n PHR A person or thing of repute or of high repute is respected and known to be good. (FORMAL) He was a writer of repute... 2 [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp A person's or organization's repute is their reputation, especially when this is good. (FORMAL) Under his stewardship, the UN's repute has risen immeasurably. = reputation

re|put|ed / rɪpj'uːtɪd / [V-PASSIVE] be V-ed to-inf If you say that something is reputed to be true, you mean that people say it is true, but you do not know if it is definitely true. (FORMAL) The monster, which is reputed to live in the deep dark water of a Scottish loch... ● reputedly [ADV] ADV with cl/group, ADV before v He reputedly earns two million pounds a year...

♦♦ re|quest / rɪkw'est / (requests requesting requested) 1 [VERB] V n, V that If you request something, you ask for it politely or formally. (FORMAL) Mr Dennis said he had requested access to a telephone... She had requested that the door to her room be left open. 2 [VERB] V n to-inf If you request someone to do something, you politely or formally ask them to do it. (FORMAL) Students are requested to park at the rear of the Department. 3 [N-COUNT] oft N for n, N that/to-inf If you make a request , you politely or formally ask someone to do something. France had agreed to his request for political asylum... 4 [N-COUNT] A request is a song or piece of music which someone has asked a performer or disc jockey to play. If you have any requests, I'd be happy to play them for you. 5 [PHRASE] If you do something at someone's request , you do it because they have asked you to. The evacuation is being organised at the request of the United ...

requi|em / r'ekwiem / (requiems) 1 [N-COUNT] A requiem or a requiem mass is a Catholic church service in memory of someone who has recently died. 2 [N-COUNT] oft in names A requiem is a piece of music for singers and musicians that can be performed either as part of a requiem mass or as part of a concert. ...a performance of Verdi's Requiem.

♦♦ re|quire / rɪkw'aɪ'ə r / (requires requiring required) 1 [VERB] V n, V n to-inf, V-ed If you require something or if something is required , you need it or it is necessary. (FORMAL) If you require further information, you should consult the registrar... This isn't the kind of crisis that requires us to drop everything else... Some of the materials required for this technique may be difficult to obtain. 2 [VERB] V n to-inf, V n, V that, be V-ed of n If a law or rule requires you to do something, you have to do it. (FORMAL) The rules also require employers to provide safety training... At least 35 manufacturers have flouted a law requiring prompt reporting of such malfunctions... The law now requires that parents serve on the committees that plan and evaluate school programs... Then he'll know exactly what's required of him. 3 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, oft PHR for n If you say that something is required reading for a particular gro...

♦ re|quire|ment / rɪkw'aɪ'ə r mənt / (requirements) 1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp A requirement is a quality or qualification that you must have in order to be allowed to do something or to be suitable for something. Its products met all legal requirements... 2 [N-COUNT] usu pl, usu with supp Your requirements are the things that you need. (FORMAL) Variations of this programme can be arranged to suit your requirements.

requi|site / r'ekwɪzɪt / (requisites) 1 [ADJ] usu the ADJ n You can use requisite to indicate that something is necessary for a particular purpose. (FORMAL) She filled in the requisite paperwork. 2 [N-COUNT] usu with supp A requisite is something which is necessary for a particular purpose. (FORMAL) An understanding of accounting techniques is a major requisite for the work of the analysts.

requi|si|tion / r'ekwɪz'ɪʃ ə n / (requisitions requisitioning requisitioned) 1 [VERB] V n If people in authority requisition a vehicle, building, or food, they formally demand it and take it for official use. (FORMAL) Authorities requisitioned hotel rooms to lodge more than 3,000 stranded Christmas vacationers. = commandeer 2 [N-COUNT] A requisition is a written document which allows a person or organization to obtain goods. ...a requisition for a replacement photocopier.

re|sale / r'iːseɪl / [N-UNCOUNT] N n The resale price of something that you own is the amount of money that you would get if you sold it. ...a well-maintained used car with a good resale value.

re|sched|ule / r'iːʃ'edjuːl, AM -sk'edʒuːl / (reschedules rescheduling rescheduled) 1 [VERB] V n, V n for/to n If someone reschedules an event, they change the time at which it is supposed to happen. Since I'll be away, I'd like to reschedule the meeting... They've rescheduled the vigil for February 14th... ● rescheduling [N-VAR] usu N of n All this could lead up to a rescheduling of the trip to Asia. 2 [VERB] V n To reschedule a debt means to arrange for the person, organization, or country that owes money to pay it back over a longer period because they are in financial difficulty. ...companies that have gone bust or had to reschedule their debts... ● rescheduling [N-VAR] usu N of n The President is also expected to request a rescheduling of loan repayments.

re|scind / rɪs'ɪnd / (rescinds rescinding rescinded) [VERB] V n If a government or a group of people in power rescind a law or agreement, they officially withdraw it and state that it is no longer valid. (FORMAL) Trade Union leaders have demanded the government rescind the price rise.

♦ res|cue / r'eskjuː / (rescues rescuing rescued) 1 [VERB] V n If you rescue someone, you get them out of a dangerous or unpleasant situation. Helicopters rescued nearly 20 people from the roof of the burning building... ● rescuer [N-COUNT] It took rescuers 90 minutes to reach the trapped men. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N n Rescue is help which gets someone out of a dangerous or unpleasant situation. A big rescue operation has been launched for a trawler missing in the English Channel. 3 [N-COUNT] A rescue is an attempt to save someone from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. A major air-sea rescue is under way... 4 [PHRASE] V inflects If you go to someone's rescue or come to their rescue , you help them when they are in danger or difficulty. The 23-year-old's screams alerted a passerby who went to her rescue...

♦♦♦ re|search / rɪs'ɜː r tʃ / (researches researching researched) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl Research is work that involves studying something and trying to discover facts about it. 65 percent of the 1987 budget went for nuclear weapons research and production. 2 [VERB] V n, V If you research something, you try to discover facts about it. She spent two years in South Florida researching and filming her documentary... So far we haven't been able to find anything, but we're still researching. ● researcher [N-COUNT] He chose to join the company as a market researcher. mar|ket re|search [N-UNCOUNT] Market research is the activity of collecting and studying information about what people want, need, and buy. (BUSINESS) A new all-woman market research company has been set up to find out what women think about major news and issues. re|search fel|low (research fellows) [N-COUNT] A research fellow is a member of an academic institution whose job...

re|sell / r'iːs'el / (resells reselling resold) [VERB] V n, V If you resell something that you have bought, you sell it again. Shopkeepers buy them in bulk and resell them for £150 each... It makes sense to buy at dealer prices so you can maximize your profits if you resell.

re|sem|blance / rɪz'embləns / (resemblances) [N-VAR] oft adj N, N between/to n If there is a resemblance between two people or things, they are similar to each other. There was a remarkable resemblance between him and Pete... = similarity

re|sem|ble / rɪz'emb ə l / (resembles resembling resembled) [VERB] no cont, V n If one thing or person resembles another, they are similar to each other. Some of the commercially produced venison resembles beef in flavour...

re|sent / rɪz'ent / (resents resenting resented) [VERB] V n/-ing If you resent someone or something, you feel bitter and angry about them. She resents her mother for being so tough on her...

re|sent|ful / rɪz'entfʊl / [ADJ] If you are resentful , you feel resentment. At first I felt very resentful and angry about losing my job... = aggrieved ● resentfully [ADV] usu ADV with v For a moment she continued to look at him resentfully.

re|sent|ment / rɪz'entmənt / (resentments) [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl Resentment is bitterness and anger that someone feels about something. She expressed resentment at being interviewed by a social worker...

res|er|va|tion / r'ezə r v'eɪʃ ə n / (reservations) 1 [N-VAR] oft N about n If you have reservations about something, you are not sure that it is entirely good or right. I told him my main reservation about his film was the ending... 2 [N-COUNT] If you make a reservation , you arrange for something such as a table in a restaurant or a room in a hotel to be kept for you. He went to the desk to make a reservation... = booking 3 [N-COUNT] A reservation is an area of land that is kept separate for a particular group of people to live in. Seventeen thousand Indians live in Arizona on a reservation. 4 see also central reservation cen|tral res|er|va|tion (central reservations) [N-COUNT] The central reservation is the strip of ground, often covered with grass, that separates the two sides of a major road. (BRIT; in AM, use median , median strip )

♦♦ re|serve / rɪz'ɜː r v / (reserves reserving reserved) 1 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed for n If something is reserved for a particular person or purpose, it is kept specially for that person or purpose. A double room with a balcony overlooking the sea had been reserved for him... = set aside 2 [VERB] V n If you reserve something such as a table, ticket, or magazine, you arrange for it to be kept specially for you, rather than sold or given to someone else. I'll reserve a table for five... 3 [N-COUNT] usu with supp A reserve is a supply of something that is available for use when it is needed. The Gulf has 65 per cent of the world's oil reserves... 4 [N-COUNT] In sports, a reserve is someone who is available to play as part of a team if one of the members is ill or cannot play. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use substitute ) He ended up as a reserve, but still qualified for a team gold medal. = substitute 5 [N-COUNT] usu supp N A nature reser...

re|served / rɪz'ɜː r vd / 1 [ADJ] Someone who is reserved keeps their feelings hidden. He was unemotional, quite quiet, and reserved... 2 [ADJ] A table in a restaurant or a seat in a theatre that is reserved is being kept for someone rather than given or sold to anyone else. Seats, or sometimes entire tables, were reserved.

re|serv|ist / rɪz'ɜː r vɪst / (reservists) [N-COUNT] Reservists are soldiers who are not serving in the regular army of a country, but who can be called to serve whenever they are needed.

res|er|voir / r'ezə r vwɑː r / (reservoirs) 1 [N-COUNT] A reservoir is a lake that is used for storing water before it is supplied to people. 2 [N-COUNT] with supp, oft N of n, adj N A reservoir of something is a large quantity of it that is available for use when needed. ...the huge oil reservoir beneath the Kuwaiti desert.

re|set / r'iːs'et / (resets resetting) The form reset is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. [VERB] V n If you reset a machine or device, you adjust or set it, so that it is ready to work again or ready to perform a particular function. As soon as you arrive at your destination, step out of the aircraft and reset your wrist-watch.

re|set|tle / riːs'et ə l / (resettles resettling resettled) [VERB] be V-ed, V If people are resettled by a government or organization, or if people resettle , they move to a different place to live because they are no longer able or allowed to stay in the area where they used to live. The refugees were put in camps in Italy before being resettled... In 1990, 200,000 Soviet Jews resettled on Israeli territory.

re|set|tle|ment / riːs'et ə lmənt / [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n Resettlement is the process of moving people to a different place to live, because they are no longer allowed to stay in the area where they used to live. Only refugees are eligible for resettlement abroad.

re|shape / r'iːʃ'eɪp / (reshapes reshaping reshaped) [VERB] V n To reshape something means to change its structure or organization. If they succeed on Europe, then they will have reshaped the political and economic map of the world... ● reshaping [N-SING] also no det, usu N of n This thesis led to a radical reshaping of Labour policies.

re|shuf|fle (reshuffles reshuffling reshuffled) The noun is pronounced / r'iːʃʌf ə l / The verb is pronounced / r'iːʃ'ʌf ə l / [VERB] V n When a political leader reshuffles the ministers in a government, he or she changes their jobs so that some of the ministers change their responsibilities. (mainly BRIT) The prime minister told reporters this morning that he plans to reshuffle his entire cabinet. = reorganize [N-COUNT] usu sing, with supp Reshuffle is also a noun. He has carried out a partial cabinet reshuffle.

re|side / rɪz'aɪd / (resides residing resided) 1 [VERB] V prep/adv If someone resides somewhere, they live there or are staying there. (FORMAL) Margaret resides with her invalid mother in a London suburb... 2 [VERB] no cont, V in n If a quality resides in something, the thing has that quality. (FORMAL) Happiness does not reside in strength or money...

resi|dence / r'ezɪdəns / (residences) 1 [N-COUNT] A residence is a house where people live. (FORMAL) ...hotels and private residences. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Your place of residence is the place where you live. (FORMAL) ...differences among women based on age, place of residence and educational levels. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] Someone's residence in a particular place is the fact that they live there or that they are officially allowed to live there. They had entered the country and had applied for permanent residence... 4 see also hall of residence 5 [PHRASE] v-link PHR If someone is in residence in a particular place, they are living there. Windsor is open to visitors when the Royal Family is not in residence. 6 [PHRASE] n PHR An artist or writer in residence is one who teaches in an institution such as a university or theatre company. Wakoski is writer in residence at Michigan State University. hall of resi|dence (halls of residence) [N-COUNT] H...

resi|den|cy / r'ezɪdənsi / (residencies) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Someone's residency in a particular place, especially in a country, is the fact that they live there or that they are officially allowed to live there. He applied for British residency... 2 [N-COUNT] A doctor's residency is the period of specialized training in a hospital that he or she receives after leaving university. (AM) He completed his pediatric residency at Stanford University Hospital.

♦♦ resi|dent / r'ezɪdənt / (residents) 1 [N-COUNT] usu pl, with supp The residents of a house or area are the people who live there. The Archbishop called upon the government to build more low cost homes for local residents... 2 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in n Someone who is resident in a country or a town lives there. He moved to Belgium in 1990 to live with his son, who had been resident in Brussels since 1967. 3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n A resident doctor or teacher lives in the place where he or she works. (BRIT) The morning after your arrival, you meet with the resident physician for a private consultation. 4 [N-COUNT] A resident or a resident doctor is a doctor who is receiving a period of specialized training in a hospital after leaving university. (AM)

resi|den|tial / r'ezɪd'enʃ ə l / 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n A residential area contains houses rather than offices or factories. ...a smart residential area... 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n A residential institution is one where people live while they are studying there or being cared for there. Training involves a two-year residential course... ...a residential home for children with disabilities.

re|sid|ual / rɪz'ɪdʒuəl / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Residual is used to describe what remains of something when most of it has gone. ...residual radiation from nuclear weapons testing...

resi|due / r'ezɪdjuː, AM -duː / (residues) [N-COUNT] usu with supp A residue of something is a small amount that remains after most of it has gone. Always using the same shampoo means that a residue can build up on the hair.

♦ re|sign / rɪz'aɪn / (resigns resigning resigned) 1 [VERB] V, V n If you resign from a job or position, you formally announce that you are leaving it. A hospital administrator has resigned over claims he lied to get the job... Mr Robb resigned his position last month. = quit 2 [VERB] V pron-refl to n/-ing If you resign yourself to an unpleasant situation or fact, you accept it because you realize that you cannot change it. Pat and I resigned ourselves to yet another summer without a boat... = reconcile 3 see also resigned

♦ res|ig|na|tion / r'ezɪgn'eɪʃ ə n / (resignations) 1 [N-VAR] usu with poss Your resignation is a formal statement of your intention to leave a job or position. Mr Morgan has offered his resignation and it has been accepted. ...his letter of resignation. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Resignation is the acceptance of an unpleasant situation or fact because you realize that you cannot change it. He sighed with profound resignation.

re|signed / rɪz'aɪnd / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n/-ing If you are resigned to an unpleasant situation or fact, you accept it without complaining because you realize that you cannot change it. He is resigned to the noise and mess...

re|sili|ent / rɪz'ɪliənt / 1 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ Something that is resilient is strong and not easily damaged by being hit, stretched, or squeezed. ...an armchair of some resilient plastic material. ● resilience [N-UNCOUNT] also a N Do your muscles have the strength and resilience that they should have? 2 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ People and things that are resilient are able to recover easily and quickly from unpleasant or damaging events. When the U.S. stock market collapsed in October 1987, the Japanese stock market was the most resilient. ● resilience [N-UNCOUNT] also a N ...the resilience of human beings to fight after they've been attacked.

res|in / r'ezɪn / (resins) 1 [N-MASS] Resin is a sticky substance that is produced by some trees. The resin from which the oil is extracted comes from a small, tough tree. 2 [N-MASS] Resin is a substance that is produced chemically and used to make plastics.

res|in|ous / r'ezɪnəs / [ADJ] Something that is resinous is like resin or contains resin. Propolis is a hard resinous substance made by bees from the juices of plants.

♦ re|sist / rɪz'ɪst / (resists resisting resisted) 1 [VERB] V n -ing, V n If you resist something such as a change, you refuse to accept it and try to prevent it. She says she will resist a single European currency being imposed... They resisted our attempts to modernize the distribution of books. = oppose 2 [VERB] V n, V If you resist someone or resist an attack by them, you fight back against them. The man was shot outside his house as he tried to resist arrest... When she had attempted to cut his nails he resisted. 3 [VERB] oft with neg, V n/-ing If you resist doing something, or resist the temptation to do it, you stop yourself from doing it although you would like to do it. Students should resist the temptation to focus on exams alone... 4 [VERB] V n If someone or something resists damage of some kind, they are not damaged. ...bodies trained and toughened to resist the cold... = withstand

♦ re|sist|ance / rɪz'ɪstəns / (resistances) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N to n Resistance to something such as a change or a new idea is a refusal to accept it. The US wants big cuts in European agricultural export subsidies, but this is meeting resistance. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Resistance to an attack consists of fighting back against the people who have attacked you. The troops are encountering stiff resistance... 3 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N to n The resistance of your body to germs or diseases is its power to remain unharmed or unaffected by them. This disease is surprisingly difficult to catch as most people have a natural resistance to it. 4 [N-UNCOUNT] usu supp N Wind or air resistance is a force which slows down a moving object or vehicle. The design of the bicycle has managed to reduce the effects of wind resistance and drag. 5 [N-VAR] In electrical engineering or physics, resistance is the ability of a substance or an electrical circuit to stop the flow of an...