1 bar, block, check, combat, confront, contradict, counter, counterattack, defy, face, fight, fly in the face of, hinder, obstruct, prevent, resist, set one's face against, speak against, stand up to, take a stand against, take issue with, take on, thwart, withstand
2 compare, contrast, counterbalance, match, pit or set against, play off
1 advance, advocate, aid, back, defend, espouse, help, promote, support