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

Jane Fonda has relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment, a free-expression coalition originally formed by Hollywood stars in 1947 to oppose the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Hollywood blacklist.

From Salon

Foreigners have also served on the opposing side, with Ukrainian officials stating in the past that roughly 20,000 fighters from 50 countries joined Ukraine’s International Legion, including around 3,000 Iraqis.

From Los Angeles Times

Newcastle had not long been taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in a £305m deal which was opposed by human rights campaigners.

From BBC

“It would be pretty cool with our equipment here, as opposed to the Royal Air Force.”

From Los Angeles Times

Takaichi is a staunch conservative who has long opposed legislation allowing married women to keep their maiden names, insisting it undermines tradition.

From BBC

Related Words

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