oppose
op.pose \*-'po-z\ vt [F opposer, fr. L opponere (perf. indic. opposui), fr.
ob-] against + ponere to place - more at OB-, POSITION 1: to place opposite
or against 2: to place over against something so as to provide resistance,
counterbal ance, or contrast 3: to offer resistance to POSE may apply to a
range extending from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare; COMBAT
stresses the actual conflict with what one actively opposes; RESIST and
WITHSTAND imply answering an offensive action with counter force, WITHSTAND
usu. adding a suggestion of successful outcome; ANTAGONIZE implies an
arousing of resistance or hostility in another - op.pos.er n SYN syn
COMBAT, RESIST, WITHSTAND, ANTAGONIZE: OP