against
preposition
- In a contrary direction to.
"It is hard work to swim against the current."
- In physical opposition to; in collision with.
"The rain pounds against the window."
- In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.
"The kennel was put against the back wall."
- Close to, alongside.
"A row of trees stood against a fence."
- In front of; before (a background).
"The giant was silhouetted against the door."
- In contrast or comparison with.
"He stands out against his classmates."
- In competition with, versus.
"The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend."
- Contrary to; in conflict with.
"Doing this is against my principles."
- In opposition to.
"Are you against freedom of choice?"
- Of betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance.
"That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning."
- In exchange for.
"The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks."
- As counterbalance to.
- As a charge on.
"Tax is levied against income from sales."
- As protection from.
"He turned the umbrella against the wind."
- In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).
"The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need."
- (Hollywood) To be paid now in contrast to the following amount to be paid later under specified circumstances, usually that a movie is made or has started filming.
"The studio weren't sure the movie would ever get made, so they only paid $50,000 against $200,000. That way they wouldn't be out very much if filming never began."
- Exposed to.
conjunction
- By the time that (something happened); before.
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