Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - oppose

 transitive verb  (~d; opposing)  Etymology: French ~r, from Latin opponere (perfect indicative opposui), from ob- against + ponere to place — more at ob-, position  Date: 1579  1. to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast  2. to place opposite or against something  3. to offer resistance to  • ~r noun Synonyms:  ~, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something. ~ can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare ~d the plan. combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something combat disease. resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it resisting temptation. withstand suggests a more passive resistance trying to withstand peer pressure.