[op.pose] vt op.posed ; op.pos.ing [F opposer, fr. L opponere (perf. indic. opposui), fr. ob- against + ponere to place--more at ob-, position] (1579) 1: to place opposite or against something
2: to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast
3: to offer resistance to -- op.pos.er n syn 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".