-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
passive resistance
noun
: resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation
Examples of passive resistance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The author describes how Lewis, who went on to serve in Congress for more than 30 years, immersed himself in passive resistance while a student at the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee.
—Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024
That led to passive resistance by Germans that tanked the country’s economy and helped trigger hyperinflation in 1923.
—Cyrus Veeser / Made By History, TIME, 10 Sep. 2024
The informal nature of his directives has practically invited passive resistance, such as when the service chiefs and his own secretary of defense politely ignored his tweet about banning transgender individuals from serving in the military.
—Eliot A. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2018
So, this openly gay man organized the March on Washington and inspired Dr. King to know about passive resistance and the teachings of Gandhi. ...
—Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for passive resistance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1779, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of passive resistance was
in 1779
Dictionary Entries Near passive resistance
Cite this Entry
“Passive resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive%20resistance. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
passive resistance
noun
: resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation
More from Merriam-Webster on passive resistance
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about passive resistance
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share