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opponent

 - 4 dictionary results

op⋅po⋅nent

  [uh-poh-nuhnt]
Use opponent in a Sentence
–noun
1. a person who is on an opposing side in a game, contest, controversy, or the like; adversary.
–adjective
2. being opposite, as in position.
3. opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
4. Anatomy. bringing parts together or into opposition, as a muscle.
Origin:
1580–90; < L oppōnent- (s. of oppōnēns, prp. of oppōnere to place over, against, or in front of, make an obstacle), equiv. to op- op- + pōn(ere) to place, set, put + -ent- -ent

Synonyms:
1. antagonist. Opponent, competitor, rival refer to persons engaged in a contest. Opponent is the most impersonal, meaning merely one who opposes; perhaps one who continually blocks and frustrates or one who happens to be on the opposite side in a temporary contest: an opponent in a debate. Competitor emphasizes the action in striving against another, or others, for a definite, common goal: competitors in business. Rival has both personal and emotional connotations; it emphasizes the idea that (usually) two persons are struggling to attain the same object: rivals for an office.

Antonyms:
1. ally, friend.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To opponent
op·po·nent   (ə-pō'nənt)   
n.  One that opposes another or others in a battle, contest, controversy, or debate. See Synonyms at enemy.
adj.  

  1. Acting against an antagonist or opposing force: opponent armies.

  2. Located in front.


[Latin oppōnēns, oppōnent-, present participle of oppōnere, to oppose; see oppose.]
op·po'nen·cy n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

opponent 
1588, from L. opponentem (nom. opponens), prp. of opponere "oppose, object to, set against," from ob "against" + ponere "to put, set, place" (see position).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: op·po·nent
Pronunciation: &-'pO-n&nt
Function: noun
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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