The word 抵抗 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a similar core meaning to create a stronger, unified concept. The first character, 抵, carries the sense of "withstanding", "pushing against", or "counteracting". The second, 抗, means "to resist", "to oppose", or "to fight". When paired, they do not create a new metaphorical idea but rather logically reinforce each other, resulting in a compound that intensifies the notion of active, forceful opposition against pressure or attack.