Op-pō'nent1, a.
a. [Lat. opponens, p. pr. of opponere, to set or place against, to oppose; It. opponente, Sp. oponente. See OPPONE.] 1. Inclined to oppose; adverse; opposing; antagonistic.
Sense 2. Situated in front; opposite.
2 entries under this word
Opponent
Op-pō'nent2, n.
n. 1. One who opposes, or opposes; an adversary; an antagonist; a foe.
- Especially, one who opposes in a disputation, argument, or other verbal controversy.
- (Academic Usage.) One who attacks some thesis or proposition, in distinction from the respondent, or defendant, who maintains it.
How becomingly does Philopolis exercise his office, and seasonably commit the opponent with the respondent, like a long-practiced moderator? More. Syn.—Adversary; antagonist; opposer. See ADVERSARY.