Main Entry:

op·pose

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈpōz\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

op·posed; op·pos·ing

Etymology:

French opposer, from Latin opponere (perfect 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>.