oppose

verb op·pose \ə-ˈpōz\

: to disagree with or disapprove of (something or someone)

: to compete against (someone) : to be an opponent of (someone)

: to try to stop or defeat (something)

op·posedop·pos·ing

Full Definition of OPPOSE

transitive verb

: to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast

: to place opposite or against something

: to offer resistance to

— op·pos·er noun

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Origin of OPPOSE

French opposer, from Latin opponere (perfect indicative opposui), from ob- against + ponere to place — more at ob-, position

First Known Use: 1579

Related to OPPOSE

Synonyms: buck, defy, fight, resist, repel, withstand

Antonyms: bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to)

Synonym Discussion of OPPOSE

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>.