opponent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a contestant that you are matched against
    opposite; opposition.
  2. noun someone who offers opposition
    resister; opposer; adversary; antagonist.
  3. adjective satellite characterized by active hostility
    opposing.
    • opponent (or opposing) armies

WordNet

Op*po"nent adjective
Etymology
L. opponens, -entis, p.pr. of opponere to set or place against, to oppose; ob (see Ob-) + ponere to place. See Position.
Definitions
  1. Situated in front; opposite; hence, opposing; adverse; antagonistic. Pope.
Op*po"nent noun
Definitions
  1. One who opposes; an adversary; an antagonist; a foe. Macaulay.
  2. One who opposes in a disputation, argument, or other verbal controversy; specifically, one who attacks some theirs or proposition, in distinction from the respondent, or defendant, who maintains it.
    How becomingly does Philopolis exercise his office, and seasonably commit the opponent with the respondent, like a long-practiced moderator! Dr. H. More.
    Syn. -- Antagonist; opposer; foe. See Adversary.

Webster 1913