oppose

Verb
Synonyms: fightfight backfight downdefendcounterbalancepitmatchplay offreactcontrovertcontradict

WordNet 3.0

Verb (6)

  1. be against; express opposition to“We oppose the ban on abortion”
  2. fight against or resist strongly“The senator said he would oppose the bill”“Don't fight it!”Synonyms: fightfight backfight downdefend
  3. contrast with equal weight or forceSynonyms: counterbalance
  4. set into opposition or rivalry“let them match their best athletes against ours”“pit a chess player against the Russian champion”“He plays his two children off against each other”Synonyms: pitmatchplay off
  5. act against or in opposition to“She reacts negatively to everything I say”Synonyms: react
  6. be resistant to“The board opposed his motion”Synonyms: controvertcontradict
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Oppose \Op*pose"\ ([o^]p*p[=o]z"), v. i.

1.To be set opposite. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2.To act adversely or in opposition; -- with against or to; as, a servant opposed against the act. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3.To make objection or opposition in controversy. [1913 Webster] opposed

Oppose \Op*pose"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Opposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Opposing.] [F. opposer. See Ob-, Pose, and cf.2d Appose, Puzzle, n. Cf.L. opponere, oppositum.]

1.To place in front of, or over against; to set opposite; to exhibit. [1913 Webster]

Her grace sat down . . . In a rich chair of state; opposing freely The beauty of her person to the people.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.To put in opposition, with a view to counterbalance or countervail; to set against; to offer antagonistically. [1913 Webster]

I may . . . oppose my single opinion to his.— Locke.[1913 Webster]

3.To resist or antagonize by physical means, or by arguments, etc.; to contend against; to confront; to resist; to withstand; as, to oppose the king in battle; to oppose a bill in Congress. [1913 Webster]

4.To compete with; to strive against; as, to oppose a rival for a prize. [1913 Webster]

I am . . . too weak To oppose your cunning.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Syn: To combat; withstand; contradict; deny; gainsay; oppugn; contravene; check; obstruct. [1913 Webster]

The Devil's Dictionary

OPPOSE, v. To assist with obstructions and objections.

How lonely he who thinks to vex With bandinage the Solemn Sex! Of levity, Mere Man, beware; None but the Grave deserve the Unfair. Percy P. Orminder

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