Objectors

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. People who voice disagreement or disapproval about specific choices or policies
2. Individuals who assert their differing opinions or concerns related to a given situation or decision
3. Those who express opposition or dissent regarding decisions, actions, or proposals

Etymology: In Latin, "obicere" meant to throw something in front of or against something, so an objection was originally a thing set in someone's path. Over time the sense moved from the physical obstacle to the protest raised against a plan, and the English verb "object" carries that protest meaning. "Objector" is formed from that verb with the agent suffix "-or," meaning one who objects. Its plural simply adds "-s" to name several such people at once. Because it is built on the English verb rather than borrowed as a separate term, its meaning follows directly from the verb's sense of raising an obstacle to a proposal.

Synonyms: protesters, dissenters, opponents, refusers, challengers

Antonyms: supporters, advocates