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

She told them her father had always been opposed to the Nazis and had helped save the Eisners, who she described as great friends, from the Holocaust.

Read more on BBC

Myanmar's ruling junta has been fighting a myriad of ethnic armed groups and "People's Defense Forces" opposed to its rule since it seized power in a February 2021 coup, ending a brief experiment with democracy.

Read more on Barron's

Experts have in recent years argued that China must shift towards an economic model propelled more by domestic consumption as opposed to infrastructure investment and exports -- long key drivers of growth.

Read more on Barron's

I thought about it and I looked up at the vodka section, in the back bar, and it did not look very exciting, as opposed to the tequila and whiskey sections.

Read more on MarketWatch

The bill was fiercely opposed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other L.A. leaders who want to retain power over housing decisions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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