Meaning & use
resistance to authority
Last updated
Meaning
phraseuncountable
Refusal to obey or accept the control of people in power, such as a government or other official group.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; it does not take 'a' or a plural form.
Patterns
- resistance to authority figures
- a form of resistance to authority
- show resistance to authority
The students' resistance to authority grew after the new rules were announced.
Throughout history, resistance to authority has often led to political change.
The novel explores themes of resistance to authority and personal freedom.
Common combinations
- a form of resistance to authority
- Peaceful protest is a common form of resistance to authority.
- growing resistance to authority
- There was growing resistance to authority among the younger generation.
- resistance to authority figures
- Teenagers often show resistance to authority figures like parents and teachers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- defiance
- Defiance is a more emotional, often open and bold refusal to obey, while resistance to authority can be quiet or organized.
- rebellion
- Rebellion often suggests a large-scale, sometimes violent attempt to overthrow authority, whereas resistance to authority can be everyday and nonviolent.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: resistance to authority or resistance to change?
resistance to authority vs resistance to change
Resistance to change means unwillingness to accept new ideas or methods, not refusal to obey people in power.
Practice
The protest was seen as an act of ______.
Choose one answer.
The context of a protest against people in power fits 'resistance to authority'. 'Resistance to change' is about not wanting new things, not about challenging power. 'Resistance to infection' and 'resistance to treatment' are medical phrases and do not fit a protest.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “resistance to authority”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.