against

The definition of against is someone or something with which you disagree.

(preposition)

To vote “No” on a proposal is an example of voting against the proposal.

Against means something that is going the other way.

(preposition)

Walking north into the wind that is blowing south is an example of walking against the wind.

See against in Webster's New World College Dictionary

1. in opposition to or competition with: a fight against evil
2. contrary to: against one's will
toward so as to press on or strike: push against the door; throw the ball against the wall
in contact with: a ladder leaned against the barn
opposite to the course or direction of: driving against the traffic
1. in contrast with: green against the gold
2. in comparison with: items checked against a list
in preparation for; for the possibility of: we provided against a poor crop
as a debit or charge on: a bill entered against our account
Now Dial. next to; adjoining: the house against the church

Origin: ME ayeynst, opposite to, facing < OE ongegn, ongean (see again), with adv. gen. -es + unhistoric -t

conjunction

Archaic by the time that; before

See against in American Heritage Dictionary 4

preposition

In a direction or course opposite to: row against the current.
So as to come into forcible contact with: waves dashing against the shore.
In contact with so as to rest or press on: leaned against the tree.
In hostile opposition or resistance to: struggle against fate.
Contrary to; opposed to: against my better judgment.
In competition with: race against the record holder.
In contrast or comparison with the setting or background of: dark colors against a fair skin.
In preparation for; in anticipation of: food stored against winter.
As a defense or safeguard from: protection against the cold.
To the account or debt of: drew a check against my bank balance.
Directly opposite to; facing.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , alteration of againes

Origin: , from Old English ongeagn

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