ə-ˈgen(t)st
-ˈgin(t)st,
-ˈgān(t)st
1
a
: in opposition or hostility to
spoke against his enemies
b
: not in conformity with : 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
b
obsolete
: exposed to
3
: 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
archaic
: in preparation for the time when
… throw on another log of wood against father comes home.—Charles Dickens
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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