Emily Dickinson Lexicon

OP-POSE, v.t. [s as z. Fr. opposer; ob and poser, to set; L. oppono, opposui. It is doubtful whether Fr. poser, and the preterit and participle passive of the Latin verb belong to pono. The change of n into s is unusual. Two different verbs may be used, as in L. fero, tuli. See Pose.]

1. To set against; to put in opposition, with a view to counterbalance or countervail, and thus to hinder, defeat, destroy or prevent effect; as, to oppose one argument to another. I may without presumption oppose my single opinion to his. Locke.
2. To act against; to resist, either by physical means, by arguments or other means. The army opposed the progress of the enemy, but without success. Several members of the house strenuously opposed the bill, but it passed.
3. To check; to resist effectually. The army was not able to oppose the progress of the enemy.
4. To place in front; to set opposite. – Shak.
5. To act against, as a competitor.