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a·gainst [ ə génst ] CORE MEANING: a preposition indicating opposition to or conflict with somebody or something, either physically or intellectually
  (prep) a battle against cancer |
preposition |
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| Definition: |
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1. in competition with: with somebody or something as an opponent in a competitive situation, especially in sports
Iowa against UCLA in the Rose Bowl
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2. in contact with by leaning: in a position such that part or all of something touches another object or surface, by leaning or resting on the side of it
I leaned against a tree.
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3. into sudden contact or collision with: so as to briefly touch or suddenly collide with a usually stationary object while in movement
banged his head against the beam
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4. in opposite direction to: in the opposite direction to the movement, angle, or position of something or somebody
to swim against the current
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5. seen in contrast with: seen in contrast with physical surroundings
The dark green pines are lovely against the blue sky.
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6. in relation to events: in relation to, or contrasted with, a set of events or circumstances
Government action makes sense against the background of rising tensions.
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7. as protection from: in order to prevent or avoid something, or to be protected from something
vaccinate against disease
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8. in payment of: in partial or total payment of, or as a charge on
I'd like to put this money against the amount I owe you.
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9. as disadvantage to: to the disadvantage of somebody or something
Will you hold it against me if I don't come to your party?
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10. compared with: in comparison with something
weighed the cost of hiring someone against that of promoting existing staff
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11. contrary to: contrary to, or not approved or allowed by somebody or something
It's against the law.
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12. in preparation for: in preparation for something, usually an expected unpleasant event
(
dated
)
to save against hard times
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| [14th century. <again + adverbial suffix -es + -t, after such words as amidst] |
