'opponent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'opponere,' where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'ponere' meant 'to place.'

'opponere' transformed into the Old French word 'opponent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'opponent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to place against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'one who opposes or competes against another.'