Definitions for against
əˈgɛnst, əˈgeɪnstagainst

Wiktionary(3.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. againstconjunction

   By the time that (something happened); before.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

2. againstpreposition

   In a contrary direction to.

   If you swim against the current, you must work harder.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

3. againstpreposition

   Close to.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

4. againstpreposition

   In front of; before a background.

   The giant was silhouetted against the door.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

5. againstpreposition

   In physical contact with.

   The puppy rested its head against a paw.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

6. againstpreposition

   In physical opposition to, or in collision with.

   The rain pounds against the window.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

7. againstpreposition

   In contrast and/or comparison with.

   He stands out against his local classmates

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

8. againstpreposition

   In competition with, versus.

   The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

9. againstpreposition

   In opposition to.

   Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

10. againstpreposition

    In exchange for.

    Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

11. againstpreposition

    As counterbalance to.

    Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

12. againstpreposition

    As a charge on.

    Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

13. againstpreposition

    As protection from.

    He turned the umbrella against the wind.

    Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

14. againstpreposition

    Exposed to.

    Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

15. againstpreposition

    In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).

    Etymology: Formed from agenes, , a southern variant of , or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est.

Webster Dictionary(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Against

   abreast; opposite to; facing; towards; as, against the mouth of a river; -- in this sense often preceded by over

   Etymology: [OE. agens, ageynes, AS. ongegn. The s is adverbial, orig. a genitive ending. See Again.]

2. Against

   from an opposite direction so as to strike or come in contact with; in contact with; upon; as, hail beats against the roof

   Etymology: [OE. agens, ageynes, AS. ongegn. The s is adverbial, orig. a genitive ending. See Again.]

3. Against

   in opposition to, whether the opposition is of sentiment or of action; on the other side; counter to; in contrariety to; hence, adverse to; as, against reason; against law; to run a race against time

   Etymology: [OE. agens, ageynes, AS. ongegn. The s is adverbial, orig. a genitive ending. See Again.]

4. Against

   by of before the time that; in preparation for; so as to be ready for the time when

   Etymology: [OE. agens, ageynes, AS. ongegn. The s is adverbial, orig. a genitive ending. See Again.]

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Against

   Against is the seventh studio album by the Brazilian metal band Sepultura, released in 1998 through Roadrunner Records. It is the band's first release with new frontman Derrick Green, who replaced group founder Max Cavalera in 1997.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(4.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Against

   a-genst′, also a-gānst′, prep. opposite to: in opposition to: in contact or collision with: in provision for: in exchange for, instead of: (B. and Shak.) by the time that, elliptically for 'against (the time) at which' or 'that I come.' [Formed from again, with genitive ending -es, as whilst from while—the -t being a later addition, as in amongs-t, amids-t, &c.]

British National Corpus

1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'against' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #137

2. Written Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'against' in Written Corpus Frequency: #366

How to pronounce against?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say against in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of against in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of against in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of against in a Sentence

1. Richard Nephew:

   Europe and the United States are so integrated that it is implausible that the Europeans will be able to use current institutions to engage in transactions with Iran, if they really want to do this, then they'll need to set up siloed institutions that have no U.S. exposure and then to protect those institutions with the threat of retaliation against the United States.

2. Lakshheish M Patel:

   Don't waste time in making complaints against stock brokerage firms to SEBI as nothing will happen to brokers who continue to fool its clients traders only.

3. Edison Hayden:

   Emails are emails, southern Poverty Law Center fights tirelessly against all hate, including anti-Semitism.

4. Momo Inc:

   Mr. Tang has informed us that he believes the allegations are malicious and intends to vigorously defend himself against them.

5. Steven Stalinsky:

   The April 16 destruction of Christian graves in Mosul, Iraq by the Islamic State (ISIS) is part of the organization's ongoing campaign against Christianity, in the Middle East and throughout the Muslim world.

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