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opponent

op·po·nent [ ə pṓnənt ]


noun  (plural op·po·nents)
Definition:
 
1. adversary in contest: somebody who plays, fights, or competes against you in a contest

2. somebody opposing something: somebody who opposes a course of action, or a cause or belief
a fierce opponent of reform of the voting system

3. anatomy opposing muscle: any muscle that counteracts the motion of another



adjective 
Definition:
 
1. contrary: working or arguing against something

2. contradictory: serving to contradict something

[Late 16th century. < Latin opponent-, present participle of opponere "set against" < ponere "to place"]

op·po·nen·cy noun
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