opposition research

American  

[op-uh-zish-uhn ree-surch] / ɒp əˈzɪʃ ən ˈri sɜrtʃ /

noun

1. the collection of information on the background, activities, etc., of one’s opponent or opponents in an effort to uncover damaging details that will undermine them.

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Etymology

Origin of opposition research

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

In 2010, I co-founded the opposition research hub American Bridge 21st Century.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2023

The proposal, largely written by Mr. Dingell, called for an unprecedented national lobbying push supported by grass-roots fund-raising, a media operation and opposition research.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2023

The opposition research on Mr. DeSantis covers not only his tenure as Florida’s governor, but also his nearly six-year stint in Congress.

From Washington Times • Apr. 4, 2023

With a more competitive race expected in 2022, researchers at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee did the first meaningful opposition research on Santos that summer, assembling an 87-page opposition research book.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2023

He now runs a corporate intelligence company, Dark Ember, performing opposition research for political campaigns and other digging.

From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2023