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Word Study
adversary
CIDE DICTIONARY
adversary, n. [OE. adversarie, direct fr. the Latin, and adversaire, fr. OF. adversier, aversier, fr. L. adversarius (a.) turned toward, (n.) an adversary. See Adverse.].
One who is turned against another or others with a design to oppose<-- p. 26 --> or resist them; a member of an opposing or hostile party; an opponent; an antagonist; an enemy; a foe. [1913 Webster]
"His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries." [1913 Webster]
"Agree with thine adversary quickly." [1913 Webster]
"It may be thought that to vindicate the permanency of truth is to dispute without an adversary." [1913 Webster]
adversary, a.
- Opposed; opposite; adverse; antagonistic. Bp. King. [1913 Webster]
- Having an opposing party; not unopposed; as, an adversary suit. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
adversary, n. (pl. -ies)
1 an enemy.
2 an opponent in a sport or game; an antagonist.
1 an enemy.
2 an opponent in a sport or game; an antagonist.
Etymology
ME f. OF adversarie f. L adversarius f. adversus: see ADVERSE
THESAURUS
adversary
adversative, adverse, alien, antagonist, antagonistic, anti, antipathetic, antithetic, archenemy, assailant, bitter enemy, clashing, combatant, competitive, competitor, con, conflicting, contradictory, contrary, counter, cross, devil, disaccordant, dissentient, enemy, foe, foeman, fractious, hostile, inimical, negative, noncooperative, obstinate, open enemy, opponent, opposed, opposing, opposing party, opposite, opposite camp, oppositional, oppositive, oppugnant, overthwart, perverse, public enemy, recalcitrant, refractory, repugnant, rival, sworn enemy, the loyal opposition, the opposition, uncooperative, unfavorable, unfriendly, unpropitiousROGET THESAURUS
adversary
Opponent
N opponent, antagonist, adversary, adverse party, opposition, enemy, the other side, assailant, oppositionist, obstructive, brawler, wrangler, brangler, disputant, filibuster, obstructionist, malcontent, Jacobin, Fenian, demagogue, reactionist, rival, competitor, bete noir.Also see definition of "adversary" in Bible Study Dictionaries
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