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

But she said she saw a key role in 2024 for other super PACs, including American Bridge, the party’s clearinghouse for opposition research, which also runs television ads.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2023

It is not uncommon for campaign arms for both parties to conduct opposition research and obtain public records to unearth potential weaknesses of political rivals.

From Washington Times • May 15, 2023

Mr. Santos ran for Congress in 2020 as well as in 2022, so opposition research had two shots at him.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2023

Bouchard claimed that the efforts of an unnamed British media reporter and a “political opposition research company” were why he wanted to disclose the news.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2021

It was "laid out in the style of a campaign's opposition research document," according to a New York Times reporter.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2020