Forces that resist relative motion (like air resistance or friction) are called 'retarding forces'. Sometimes they are also just called 'resisting forces', though.

What is a retarding force?

Definitions of retarding force. the phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid. synonyms: drag. types: sonic barrier, sound barrier. the increase in aerodynamic drag as an airplane approaches the speed of sound.

Why is it called retarding force?

Forces that resist relative motion (like air resistance or friction) are called 'retarding forces'. ... No force can in general 'resist motion' make things stop moving because it doesn't mean anything to say whether something is moving or not, only whether it's moving relative to something else.