Edit page | Page history | Printable version

oppose

1. To place in front of, or over against; to set opposite; to exhibit. Her grace sat down . . . In a rich chair of state; opposing freely The beauty of her person to the people. (Shak)

2. To put in opposition, with a view to counterbalance or countervail; to set against; to offer antagonistically. I may . . . Oppose my single opinion to his. (locke)

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.

4. To compete with; to strive against; as, to oppose a rival for a prize. I am . . . Too weak To oppose your cunning. (Shak)

Synonym: To combat, withstand, contradict, deny, gainsay, oppugn, contravene, check, obstruct.

Origin: F. Opposer. See Ob-, Pose, and cf.2d Appose, Puzzle, Cf.L. Opponere, oppositum.