We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

Login Athens/Access Management Federation

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

against

Pronunciation: /əˈgɛnst, əˈgeɪnst/

Translate against | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish

Definition of against

preposition

1in opposition to:the fight against crime he decided against immediate publication swimming against the tide
with reference to legal action:the first victim gave evidence against him
with reference to a sporting contest:the championship match against Somerset

2in anticipation of and preparation for (a problem or difficulty):he gritted his teeth against the pain makeshift barricades against tank attacks
(in betting) in anticipation of the failure of:the odds were 5-1 against England
in resistance to; as protection from:he turned up his collar against the wind
in relation to (an amount of money owed, due, or lent) so as to reduce, cancel, or secure it:money was advanced against the value of the property

3in conceptual contrast to:the benefits must be weighed against the costs
in visual contrast to:he was silhouetted against the light of the stair window

4in or into physical contact with (something), so as to be supported by or collide with it:she stood with her back against the door frustration made him bang his head against the wall

Phrases

against one's wishes: when one is unwilling or has refused:if any photos or information are included here against your wishes, please let me know and they will be removed immediately
against the law (or rules): illegal or unlawful:cockfighting has been against the law in South Carolina for 120 years it was against the rules to have a guy in a girl’s room
have something against someone: dislike or bear a grudge towards someone:I have nothing against you personally

Origin:

Middle English: from again + -s (adverbial genitive) + -t probably by association with superlatives (as in amongst)

against in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of against in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

| Cite

More results for against

Result list for against

Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.

monocular

/ məˈnäkyələr

/

adjective , noun

with, for, or in one eye …

See full definition »

SIGN UP