oppose

[ uh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, op·posed, op·pos·ing.

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)

, op·posed, op·pos·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• opˈposingly, adverb
• opˈposer, noun
• oppositive, adjective
• opˈposing, adjective

Other Words From

• op·pos·er noun
• pre·op·pose verb (used with object) preopposed preopposing
• re·op·pose verb (used with object) reopposed reopposing

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

Hundreds of protesters opposing changes to inheritance tax rules for farms gathered outside the Welsh Labour conference as the prime minister defended his government's recent Budget measures.

From BBC

Mr. Trump says that if he wins, he will use his power as president to go after people who have opposed him in the past.

From NewsForKids.net

After ripping up a copy of the bill in front of Seymour, Māori members who opposed the bill and some spectators in the gallery joined in the ceremonial dance.

From Salon

By then we may well be ready for its patient interaction of opposing ideas, proposing utopian synthesis.

From Los Angeles Times

The charity will perform "back-of-house" tests out of sight of the public, as opposed to "front-of-house" tests where people can take drugs to have them tested.

From BBC

Related Words

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