opponent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   characterized by active hostility

   opponent (or opposing) armies

2. 2
   noun

   One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.

   The person who ran against her in the last election proved to be a formidable opponent.

3. 3
   adj

   Opposing; adverse; antagonistic.

   […] we are to consider enemies as men opponent to peace and justice, and to these they are by warrs to be reduced; And no other ends in the pursuite of enemies by sword and hostile Acts are to be sought for […]

4. 4
   adj

   Situated in front; opposite.

   Her sympathizing Lover takes his Stand High on th’ opponent Bank […]

5. 5
   noun

   someone who offers opposition

6. 6
   noun

   a contestant that you are matched against

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin oppōnēns (“opposing”), present active participle of oppōnō (“to oppose”).