v.
Pronunciation: ə - ' p ō z
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: op · posed ; op · pos · ing
Etymology: French opposer, from Latin opponere (perf. indicative opposui ), from ob- against + ponere to place ― more at OB- , POSITION
Date: 1579
1 : to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast
2 : to place opposite or against something
3 : to offer resistance to
– op · pos · er noun
synonyms OPPOSE , COMBAT , RESIST , WITHSTAND mean to set oneself against someone or something. OPPOSE can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare < opposed the plan>. COMBAT stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something < combat disease>. RESIST implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it < resisting temptation>. WITHSTAND suggests a more passive resistance <trying to withstand peer pressure>.