against

Main Entry:: ¹against
Pronunciation:: \ə-ˈgen(t)st, -ˈgin(t)st, -ˈgān(t)st\
Function:: preposition
Etymology:: Middle English, alteration of againes, from again
Date:: 13th century

1 a: in opposition or hostility to <spoke against his enemies> b: contrary to <against the law> c: in competition with <racing against each other> d: as a basis for disapproval of <had nothing against him>2 a: directly opposite : facing <she sat down just over against me — Daniel Defoe> bobsolete : exposed to3: compared or contrasted with <profits are up against last year>4 a: in preparation or provision for <saving against an uncertain future> b: as a defense or protection from <a shelter against the cold>5 a: in the direction of and into contact with <knocked against the ropes> b: in contact with <leaning against the wall>6: in a direction opposite to the motion or course of : counter to <sail against the wind>7 a: as a counterbalance to <weighing risk against profit> b: in exchange for <a lower rate against the dollar> c: as a charge on <charged against her account>8: before the background of <viewed against the sky>

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