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

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

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

Focus the conversation on his money habits, as opposed to the debt itself, says New York City-based dating coach Grace Lee.

Read more on MarketWatch

In ISM’s survey, 67% of respondents said they were managing head count as opposed to hiring.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It will also enable claimants to launch a case on their own, as opposed to the previous system where both the claimant and the current holder of the disputed property had to agree to arbitration.

Read more on Barron's

Some two-thirds of companies said ”managing head counts is still the norm at their companies, as opposed to hiring.”

Read more on MarketWatch

He had to operate out of shotgun, as opposed to being under center, wasn’t as sharp and accurate as he typically is, and protected a gloved left hand that looked borrowed from a Macy’s mannequin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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