Oppose

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -əʊz

Origin

From Middle English opposen, from Old French opposer, from Latin ob ("before, against") + Medieval Latin pausare ("to put"), taking the place of Latin opponere ("to oppose").

Full definition of oppose

Verb

1. To attempt to stop the progression of; to resist or antagonize by physical means, or by arguments, etc.; to contend against; to confront; to resist; to withstand.to oppose the king in battle; to oppose a bill in CongressThere is still time to oppose this plan.
2. To object to.Many religious leaders oppose cloning humans.
3. To present or set up in opposition; to pose.They are opposed to any form of hierarchy.
• John LockeI may ... oppose my single opinion to his.
• 1839, Philip Meadows Taylor, Confessions of a ThugThree walls had been left standing, with large intervals between each; and they would certainly oppose a most formidable interruption to an invader.
4. To place in front of, or over against; to set opposite; to exhibit.
• ShakespeareHer grace sat down ...
  In a rich chair of state; opposing freely
  The beauty of her person to the people.
5. To compete with; to strive against.to oppose a rival for a prize
• ShakespeareI am ... too weak
  To oppose your cunning.

Synonyms

• gainstay, withstay

Antonyms

• support

Related terms

• opponent
• opposer
• opposite
• opposition