against

a|gainst [ ə`genst ] preposition ***

1. ) in opposition to someone or something

a ) used for stating which plan, idea, or action someone opposes and thinks is wrong:

Amnesty International has campaigned publicly against the death penalty.

I'm against all forms of censorship.

b ) used for stating who or what you are trying to defeat in a game, race, or fight:

The Dodgers have won their last three games against the Cardinals.

The king's son died in battle, fighting against the Persians.

the fight against drugs in our city's schools

c ) against your will if someone makes you do something against your will, you do not want to do it:

No one will be forced to leave home against their will.

d ) against someone's wishes/advice if someone does something against your wishes/advice, they do it even though you do not want them to do it/advise them not to do it:

She took the two children away against her husband's wishes.

Against the advice of his doctor, Maynard insisted on taking part.

2. ) touching or hitting someone or something

a ) touching or hitting the surface of something:

He leaned over and his lips brushed against her hair.

I fell heavily against the bookshelves.

b ) very close to and touching something, especially so that it is used as a support:

We left Ron's bicycle propped against a tree.

3. ) not allowed by law

a ) if there is a law against doing something, it is illegal:

The state has a law against cruelty to animals.

b ) against the law/rules not allowed by the law/rules:

It is against the law to park here overnight.

4. ) directed toward or affecting someone or something in a negative way

a ) used for stating who is harmed or affected by something:

The dictator is charged with crimes against humanity.

Police are investigating death threats made against a prosecution witness.

illegal discrimination against minority employees

count against (=cause someone to have a disadvantage): He's over 40, so his age may count against him.

b ) used for stating who someone dislikes or feels angry toward:

There was growing resentment among the people against their foreign rulers.

turn against (=become unfriendly toward someone): Louis turned against his former ally, and withdrew his support.

c ) have something against someone to dislike or not approve of someone or something for a particular reason:

I think he's got something against artists.

have nothing against someone (=have no reason to dislike someone or something): I have nothing against Tom personally.

d ) used for saying who is accused of doing something wrong:

accusation/charge/allegation against someone: Accusations of bribery had been made against the vice president.

Police are expected to bring criminal charges against Warren.

5. ) providing protection from something used for stating what is causing harm or affecting someone or something:

The plants must be protected against frost until late spring.

Children were vaccinated against diseases such as smallpox and polio.

6. ) in comparison with something

a ) used for comparing one thing or amount with another:

This year's profits amounted to only $35 million, against $52 million last year.

as against: Why is there a preference for the American system as against the British?

b ) measure/judge etc someone/something against someone/something to compare someone or something with someone or something else:

We measure our achievements against the highest standards.

7. ) in the opposite direction if someone or something moves against the wind, the current, etc., they face it and move in the opposite direction:

We were sailing against a strong easterly wind.

8. ) with a background behind if something appears against a background, it is seen with the background behind it:

The dark ruins of the castle stood out against the evening sky.