WIDERSTAND Meaning and
Definition
-
Widerstand is a German noun that can be translated into English as "resistance" or "opposition." It is derived from the verb "widerstehen," which means "to resist" or "to withstand." In its most general sense, Widerstand refers to the act or state of opposing or resisting something or someone. This can include various contexts, from political, social, or ideological resistance to physical resistance against force or pressure.
In political and social contexts, Widerstand often connotes organized opposition to an oppressive regime or system. It refers to resistance movements or underground organizations that actively work against the ruling power, aiming to bring about change or to protect certain values or rights. The term gained significant prominence during World War II, particularly to describe the opposition against the Nazi regime.
Additionally, Widerstand can also describe the internal or individual resistance experienced by a person when confronting challenges or difficulties. It represents the strength or resilience to withstand external pressures or temptations, as well as the ability to maintain one's own beliefs or values in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Widerstand can be used in a technical sense to refer to physical resistance or impedance encountered when an electric current passes through a conductor. In this context, it is related to the concept of electrical resistance.
Overall, Widerstand encompasses a range of meanings, encompassing opposition, resilience, and fortitude in different contexts.
Etymology of WIDERSTAND
The word "Widerstand" is of German origin. It is derived from the combination of two elements: "wider" and "stand".
The word "wider" means "against" or "contrary to" in German. It can be traced back to the Old High German word "witar" which also meant "against" or "contrary to".
The second element, "stand", is derived from the Old High German word "stant" which means "to stand" or "to resist". It is related to the English word "stand" which has a similar meaning.
When combined, "widerstand" literally translates to "to stand against" or "to resist". The word is commonly used in the German language to refer to resistance or opposition, especially in the context of political or social resistance.
