a|gainst

a|gainst «uh GEHNST; especially British uh GAYNST», preposition, conjunction.

–prep.

1. in opposition to; contrary to: »

It is against the law to cross the street when the light is red. This is against the rules of the game. The dogs fought against the lion.

2. actively opposed; hostile to: »

Why are you against me?

3. a) so as to strike; upon: »

Rain beats against the window.

b) in the opposite direction to; so as to meet: »

We will sail against the wind.

4. directly opposite to; in front of; facing toward: »

over against the wall.

5. in contact with: »

The ladder is leaning against the wall.

6. in contrast to or with: »

The ship appeared against the sky.

7. in preparation for: »

Squirrels store up nuts against the winter. [I am] saving up money against the next time I might have to go to New York (A. J. Liebling).

8. so as to defend or protect from: »

An umbrella is a protection against rain.

9. in return for: »

to trade one thing against another.

–conj.

Archaic. by the time that; before.

╂[Middle English agenes < agen, Old English ongegn again + adverbial genitive -s (the -t is a later addition)]

–a|gainst´ness, noun.

Usage For a note on pronunciation, see again. (Cf. ↑again)