ŏp-pōse′1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. OPPOSED; p. pr. & vb. n. OPPOSING.] [Fr. opposer, from Lat. opponere, oppositum. See OPPONE.]
Sense 1. To place in front of; to set opposite.
Her Grace sat down In a rich chair of state; opposing freely The beauty of her person to the people. Shak.
Sense 2. To put in opposition, with a view to counter-balance or countervail, and thus to hinder, defeat, destroy, or prevent effect; to set against;—with a direct or indirect object.
I may, without presumption, oppose my single opinion to his. Locke.
Sense 3. To resist, either by physical means, by arguments, or other means; to act against;—with a direct object.
Sense 4. To compete with; to strive against; as, to oppose a rival for a prize.
Sense 5. To check; to resist effectually; as, the army was not able to oppose the progress of the enemy.
I am too weak to oppose your cunning. Shak.
Synonyms—To combat; withstand; contradict; deny; oppugn; contravene; check; obstruct.