oppose

[uh-pohz]

verb (used with object)

opposed, opposing 

1. to act against or provide resistance to; combat.

   to vigorously oppose tyranny in every form.

   Synonyms: contravene, confront
   Antonyms: succumb, capitulate

2. to stand in the way of; hinder; obstruct.

   Synonyms: prevent

3. to set as an opponent or adversary.

4. to be hostile or adverse to, as in opinion.

   to oppose a resolution in a debate.

5. to set as an obstacle or hindrance.

6. to set against in some relation, especially as to demonstrate a comparison or contrast.

   to oppose advantages to disadvantages.

7. to use or take as being opposite or contrary.

8. to set (something) over against something else in place, or to set (two things) so as to face or be opposite to one another.

verb (used without object)

opposed, opposing 

1. to be or act in opposition.

oppose

/ əˈpəʊz, əˈpɒzɪtɪv /

verb

1. (tr) to fight against, counter, or resist strongly

2. (tr) to be hostile or antagonistic to; be against

3. (tr) to place or set in opposition; contrast or counterbalance

4. (tr) to place opposite or facing

5. (intr) to be or act in opposition

Other Word Forms

• opposer noun
• preoppose verb (used with object)
• reoppose verb (used with object)
• opposingly adverb
• oppositive adjective
• opposing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppose¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French opposer, blend of Latin oppōnere “to set against” and Old French poser “to pose, place,” associated with the Latin past participle oppositus; pose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppose¹

C14: via Old French from Latin oppōnere, from ob- against + pōnere to place

Synonym Study

Oppose, resist, withstand imply setting up a force against something. The difference between oppose and resist is somewhat similar to the one between offensive and defensive action. To oppose is mainly to fight against, in order to thwart, certain tendencies or procedures of which one does not approve: The lobbyists opposed the passage of the bill. Resist suggests that the subject is already threatened by the forces, or by the imminent possibility, against which they struggle: Our religion requires us to resist temptation. Whereas oppose always suggests an attitude of great disapproval, resist may imply an inner struggle in which the will is divided: She tried unsuccessfully to resist her craving for ice cream. Withstand generally implies successful resistance; it may refer to endurance that allows one to emerge unharmed ( to withstand a shock ), as well as to active resistance: The fort should be able to withstand an aerial attack.

Example Sentences

One group opposed to devolution, the Abolish the Assembly party, failed to win any seats at the last election.

From BBC

The vote came amid a wider debate over the Democratic Party’s approach to Israel, and whether recent actions represent a genuine shift in policy thinking, as opposed to a temporary, tactical adjustment to current circumstances.

From Salon

“The only motive for opposing this bill would be to conceal wrongdoing,” Epstein accuser Anouska de Georgiou told the crowd gathered for their press conference.

From Salon

The Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles was adamantly opposed to the measure, saying it would drive up the cost of housing and ultimately lead to higher rents.

From Los Angeles Times

She pointed out that the OfS considered universities in the "bronze" category and above to meet minimum quality requirements, as opposed to those that "required improvement"

From BBC

Related Words

• argue 
• assail 
• attack 
• debate 
• defy 
• deny 
• disagree 
• dispute 
• face 
• fight 
• prevent 
• protest 
• resist