/euh poh"neuhnt/ , n.
1. a person who is on an opposing side in a game, contest, controversy, or the like; adversary.
adj.
2. being opposite, as in position.
3. opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
4. Anat. bringing parts together or into opposition, as a muscle.
[ 1580-90; opponent- (s. of opponens, prp. of opponere to place over, against, or in front of, make an obstacle), equiv. to op- OP- + pon ( ere ) to place, set, put + -ent- -ENT ]
Syn. 1. antagonist. OPPONENT, COMPETITOR, RIVAL refer to persons engaged in a contest. OPPONENT is the most impersonal, meaning merely one who opposes; perhaps one who continually blocks and frustrates or one who happens to be on the opposite side in a temporary contest: an opponent in a debate. COMPETITOR emphasizes the action in striving against another, or others, for a definite, common goal: competitors in business. RIVAL has both personal and emotional connotations; it emphasizes the idea that (usually) two persons are struggling to attain the same object: rivals for an office.
Ant. 1. ally, friend.