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oppose (v.)

late 14c., opposen, "to speak or act against; accuse, question, interrogate," from Old French oposer "oppose, resist, rival; contradict, state opposing point of view" (12c.), apparently from assimilated form of Latin ob- "in the direction of, in front of" (seeob-) + French poser "to place, lay down" (see pose (v.1)), with the sense blended with that of Latin opponere "oppose, object to, set against" (see opponent). The meaning "to set or place over against or directly opposite" (transitive) and "interpose effort or objection, be adverse, act adversely" (intransitive) are from 1590s. Related: Opposed; opposing.

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Definitions of oppose from WordNet

oppose (v.)
be against; express opposition to;
We oppose the ban on abortion
oppose (v.)
fight against or resist strongly;
The senator said he would oppose the bill
Synonyms: fight / fight back / fight down / defend
oppose (v.)
contrast with equal weight or force;
Synonyms: counterbalance
oppose (v.)
set into opposition or rivalry;
Synonyms: pit / match / play off
oppose (v.)
act against or in opposition to;
Synonyms: react
oppose (v.)
be resistant to;
The board opposed his motion
Synonyms: controvert / contradict
From wordnet.princeton.edu