First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1against
preposition \ə-ˈgen(t)st, -ˈgin(t)st, -ˈgān(t)st\
: in opposition to (someone or something)
: in competition with (someone or something)
—used to indicate the person or thing that is affected or harmed by something
Full Definition of AGAINST
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> 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>
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Origin of AGAINST
Middle English, alteration of againes, from again
2against
conjunction
Definition of AGAINST
archaic : in preparation for the time when <throw on another log of wood against father comes home — Charles Dickens>
First Known Use of AGAINST
14th century
AGAINST Defined for Kids
against
preposition \ə-ˈgenst\
Definition of AGAINST for Kids
1
: opposed to <Everyone was against her idea.>
2
: not agreeing with or allowed by <against the law>
3
: as protection from <We built a shelter against the cold.>
4
: in or into contact with <The ball bounced against the wall.>
5
: in a direction opposite to <against the wind>
6
: before the background of <green trees against a blue sky>
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