oppose

[ uh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, op·posed, op·pos·ing.

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)

, op·posed, op·pos·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• opˈposingly, adverb
• opˈposer, noun
• oppositive, adjective
• opˈposing, adjective

Other Words From

• op·pos·er noun
• pre·op·pose verb (used with object) preopposed preopposing
• re·op·pose verb (used with object) reopposed reopposing

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

Most, though not all, oppose the hunting of wolves and bears.

From BBC

In announcing that he was pardoning his son Hunter in two federal cases, President Biden said the criminal charges “came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election.”

From Los Angeles Times

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former Senate leader, has said he plans to use his remaining time in the Senate to oppose the rising isolationism in his party.

From Los Angeles Times

“These logics oppose nations or peoples to a racialized threat — enemies from without or within — that are said to consume or despoil the resources that belong to the natives,” Callison added.

From Salon

“The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in a statement released Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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