against

Alternative forms

• againest (obsolete), agaynest (obsolete), agaynst (obsolete)
• ageinest (obsolete, rare), ageinst (obsolete), agenest (obsolete), agenst (obsolete), ageynest (obsolete, rare), ageynst (obsolete), agin (colloquial or humorous)
• 'gainst, gainst (poetic)

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /əˈɡɛ(ɪ)nst/
• (US) IPA: /əˈɡɛnst/
• (Canada) IPA: /əˈɡeɪnst/
• Hyphenation: a‧gainst

Preposition

against

1. In a contrary direction to.
   • It is hard work to swim against the current.
2. In physical opposition to; in collision with.
   • The rain pounds against the window.
3. In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.
   • The ladder was leaning against the wall.
   • The puppy rested its head against a paw.
   • The kennel was put against the back wall.
4. Close to, alongside.
   • A row of trees stood against a fence.
5. In front of; before (a background).
   • The giant was silhouetted against the door.
6. In contrast or comparison with.
   • He stands out against his classmates.
   • This report sets out the risks against the benefits.
7. In competition with, versus.
   • The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.
8. Contrary to; in conflict with.
   • Doing this is against my principles.
   • It is against the law to smoke on these premises.
   • There was no car in sight so we crossed against the red light.
9. In opposition to.
   • Antonym: for
   • Are you against freedom of choice?
   • He waged a ten-year campaign against the company that was polluting the river.
   • I'd bet against his succeeding.
   • (with implied object) Ten voted for, and three voted against.
10. Of betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance.
    • Antonym: on
    • That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning.
11. In exchange for.
    • The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks.
12. As counterbalance to.
13. As a charge on.
    • Tax is levied against income from sales.
14. As protection from.
    • He turned the umbrella against the wind.
15. In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).
    • The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need.
16. (Hollywood) To be paid now in contrast to the following amount to be paid later under specified circumstances, usually that a movie is made or has started filming.
    • The studio weren't sure the movie would ever get made, so they only paid $50,000 against $200,000. That way they wouldn't be out very much if filming never began.
17. (obsolete) Exposed to.

Conjunction

against

1. (obsolete) By the time that (something happened); before.

Anagrams

• Gaitans, antigas, antisag

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈɡenst/, /əˈɡɛnst/

Preposition

against

1. towards, near (of time)