opponent
UK: əˈpəʊnənt | US: əˈpoʊnənt
n. a person who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument
n. someone who opposes an idea, policy, or system
The word "opponent" originates from Latin opponere ("to oppose"), combining ob- (against) and ponere (to put). The morpheme op- (from ob-) signifies opposition, while -pon- reflects the act of placing or positioning. Over time, the term evolved to describe someone who "puts themselves against" another in competition or debate. The suffix -ent denotes an agent noun, forming "opponent" as "one who opposes."
She defeated her opponent in the chess match.
The politician debated his opponent fiercely.
He respected his opponent’s skills despite their rivalry.
The team studied their opponent’s strategies.
Critics became vocal opponents of the new law.