Oppose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Opposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Opposing.] — Webster enters it under “oppose”
Etymology: [F. opposer. See Ob-, Pose, and cf.2d Appose, Puzzle, n. Cf.L. opponere, oppositum.]
1. To place in front of, or over against; to set opposite; to exhibit. Her grace sat down . . . In a rich chair of state; opposing freely The beauty of her person to the people. Shak.
2. To put in opposition, with a view to counterbalance or countervail; to set against; to offer antagonistically. I may . . . oppose my single opinion to his. Locke.
3. To resist or antagonize by physical means, or by arguments, etc.; to contend against; to confront; to resist; to withstand; as, to oppose the king in battle; to oppose a bill in Congress.
4. To compete with; to strive against; as, to oppose a rival for a prize. I am . . . too weak To oppose your cunning. Shak.
1 more senses
Syn. -- To combat; withstand; contradict; deny; gainsay; oppugn; contravene; check; obstruct.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Oppose, v. i.
1. To be set opposite. Shak.
2. To act adversely or in opposition; -- with against or to; as, a servant opposed against the act. [Obs.] Shak.
3. To make objection or opposition in controversy.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for opposed; he lists it under alien, reluctant.
Where he writes about it:
In their figurative use, that is foreign which is remote, unlike, or unconnected; that is alien which is conflicting, hostile, or opposed. — from alien
A legislator may be opposed to a certain measure, while not averse to what it aims to accomplish. — from reluctant