Ōp'po-sĭ'tion, n.

(ŏp'po-zĭsh'un), n. [Lat. oppositio, Fr. opposition, Pr. oppositio, Sp. oposicion, It. opposizione. See OPPOSE.]

1. The state of being opposed, or placed over against; situation so as to front something else; a standing over against; repugnance; contrariety; as, the opposition of two mountains or buildings.
2. The act of opposing; attempt to check, restrain, or defeat; resistance. “The counterpoise of so great opposition.” Shak.

Virtue which breaks through all opposition And all temptation. Milton.

3. That which opposes; an obstacle; as, a river will find its way to the sea in spite of every opposition.
4. The collective body of opposers; in England, the party in Parliament which opposes the ministry; in America, the party that opposes the existing administration.
5. (Astron.) The situation of a heavenly body with respect to another when in the part of the heavens directly opposite to it; especially, the position of a planet or satellite when its longitude differs from that of the sun 180°; — signified by the symbol ☍; as, ☍ ♃ ☉, opposition of Jupiter to the sun.