Definition Definition

oppose - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'oppose' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Oppose [ n.]
- To place in front of, or over against; to set opposite; to exhibit.
- To put in opposition, with a view to counterbalance or countervail; to set against; to offer antagonistically.
- 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.
- To compete with; to strive against; as, to oppose a rival for a prize.
2 . Oppose [ v. i.]
- To be set opposite.
- To act adversely or in opposition; -- with against or to; as, a servant opposed against the act.
- To make objection or opposition in controversy.

Meaning of 'oppose' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . oppose [ v]
Meaning (1):
- fight against or resist strongly
Example in sentence:
  • Don't fight it!;
  • The senator said he would oppose the bill
Meaning (2):
- set into opposition or rivalry
Example in sentence:
  • He plays his two children off against each other;
  • let them match their best athletes against ours;
  • pit a chess player against the Russian champion
Meaning (3):
- act against or in opposition to
Example in sentence:
  • She reacts negatively to everything I say
Meaning (4):
- be resistant to
Example in sentence:
  • The board opposed his motion
Meaning (5):
- be against; express opposition to
Example in sentence:
  • We oppose the ban on abortion