Words That Are Their Own Opposites

A contronym is a word that is its own antonym. Sound unusual? You probably use contronyms every day …

Oversight can mean both “watchful supervision” and “an inadvertent omission.”

Left means both “departed” and “remaining.”

Dust can mean “to add dust” (to crops) or “to remove dust” (from furniture).

Cleave means either “to cling/adhere” or “to split/sever.”

Off means both “deactivated” (turn that off) and “activated” (the alarm went off).

Mentalfloss.com