Against

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /əˈɡɛnst/, /əˈɡeɪnst/
• US IPA: /əˈɡɛnst/
• Hyphenation: a + gainst

Alternative forms

• againest obsolete, agaynst obsolete, agaynest obsolete
• agenst obsolete, agenest obsolete, ageinst obsolete, ageinest obsolete, rare, ageynst obsolete, ageynest obsolete, rare, agin colloquial or humorous

Origin

Formed from Middle English agenes, againes ("in opposition to"), a southern variant of agen, or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic -t was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est. Surface analysis again + -st("(excrescence)").

Full definition of against

Preposition

1. (physical) A close but separated relationship.
1. In a contrary direction to.
   If you swim against the current, you must work harder.
2. Close to.
   The kennel was put against the back wall.
• 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 5, We expressed our readiness, and in ten minutes were in the station wagon, rolling rapidly down the long drive, for it was then after nine....As we reached the lodge we heard the whistle, and we backed up against one side of the platform as the train pulled up at the other.
3. In front of; before a background.
   The giant was silhouetted against the door.
4. In physical contact with.
   The puppy rested its head against a paw.
5. In physical opposition to, or in collision with.
   The rain pounds against the window.
• 1922, Michael Arlen, “Piracy”: A Romantic Chronicle of These Days Chapter 3/19/2, Ivor had acquired more than a mile of fishing rights with the house ; he was not at all a good fisherman, but one must do something ; one generally, however, banged a ball with a squash-racket against a wall.
2. (social) A contrasting or competitive relationship.
1. In contrast and/or comparison with.
   He stands out against his local classmates.
2. In competition with, versus.
   The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.
• 1910, Emerson Hough, The Purchase Price Chapter 1, “… it is not fair of you to bring against mankind double weapons ! Dangerous enough you are as woman alone, without bringing to your aid those gifts of mind suited to problems which men have been accustomed to arrogate to themselves.”
• 2011, September 24, Aled Williams, Chelsea 4-1 Swansea, The breakthrough came through Torres who, pilloried for his miss against Manchester United a week earlier, scored his second goal of the season.
3. In opposition to.
   are you against freedom of choice?;  I'd bet against his succeeding
• 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 4, Mr. Cooke at once began a tirade against the residents of Asquith for permitting a sandy and generally disgraceful condition of the roads. So roundly did he vituperate the inn management in particular, and with such a loud flow of words, that I trembled lest he should be heard on the veranda.
• Wild Plants to the Rescue
3. In exchange for.
4. As counterbalance to.
5. As a charge on.
6. As protection from.
   He turned the umbrella against the wind.
• 1988 , 1 March 1988 , Caroni, Pico , Antibody against myelin associated inhibitor of neurite growth neutralizes nonpermissive substrate properties of CNS white matter , Monoclonal antibodies were raised against these proteins: IN-1 and IN-2 bound both to the 35 kd and 250 kd inhibitors and to the surface of differentiated cultured oligodendrocytes.
7. (obsolete) Exposed to.
8. In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.11:He wrote to a friend of his, that he lived but with browne bread and water, and entreated him to send him a piece of cheese, against the time he was to make a solemne feast.

Synonyms

• (in competition with) versus

Antonyms

• for
• with

Conjunction

conjunction

1. (obsolete) By the time that (something happened); before.
• Spenser Faerie Queene, II.ix:Thence she them brought into a stately Hall,
  Wherein were many tables faire dispred,
  And ready dight with drapets festiuall,
  Against the viaundes should be ministred.
• 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society 1973, p. 6:He now gave Mrs Deborah positive orders to take the child to her own bed, and to call up a maid-servant to provide it pap, and other things, against it waked.

Adverb

1. In opposition to something.
   Are you for the new ring road? No, I'm against.
2. (gambling) Having a specified likelihood of not winning or happening.
   The second favourite won the race at odds of two to one against.