In addition to the uses shown below, against is used in phrasal verbs such as 'come up against', 'guard against', and 'hold against'.
1. preposition
If one thing is leaning or pressing against another, it is touching it.
She leaned against him.
On a table pushed against a wall there were bottles of water.
...the rain beating against the window panes.
Synonyms: beside, on, up against, in contact with More Synonyms of against
2. preposition
If you are against something such as a plan, policy, or system, you think it is wrong, bad, or stupid.
Taxes are unpopular–it is understandable that voters are against them.
Joan was very much against commencing drug treatment.
...a march to protest against job losses.
Synonyms: opposed to, anti [informal], opposing, counter More Synonyms of against
Against is also an adverb.
The vote for the suspension of the party was 283 in favour with 29 against.
3. preposition
If you compete against someone in a game, you try to beat them.
The tour will include games against the Australian Barbarians.
He had rescheduled his fight against the British champion.
4. preposition
If you take action against someone or something, you try to harm them.
Security forces are still using violence against opponents of the government.
...demonstrations against the war.
5. preposition
If you take action against a possible future event, you try to prevent it.
...the fight against crime.
They are arguing against hospital closures.
I must warn you against raising your hopes.
6. preposition
If you do something against someone's wishes, advice, or orders, you do not do what they want you to do or tell you to do.
He didn't want to go against the wishes of the government.
He discharged himself from hospital against the advice of doctors.
Synonyms: in defiance of, resisting, in spite of, in the face of More Synonyms of against
7. preposition
If you do something in order to protect yourself against something unpleasant or harmful, you do something which will make its effects on you less serious if it happens.
A business needs insurance against risks such as fire and flood.
It has been claimed that fish oils protect against heart disease.
8.
See have sth against sb
9. preposition
If something is against the law or against the rules, there is a law or a rule which says that you must not do it.
It is against the law to detain you against your will for any length of time.
We thought cheating was against the rules.
10. preposition
If you are moving against a current, tide, or wind, you are moving in the opposite direction to it.
...swimming upstream against the current.
They were going to sail around the little island, against the tide.
Synonyms: in opposition to, resisting, versus, counter to More Synonyms of against
11. preposition
If something happens or is considered against a particular background of events, it is considered in relation to those events, because those events are relevant to it.
The profits rise was achieved against a backdrop of falling metal prices.
12. preposition
If something is measured or valued against something else, it is measured or valued by comparing it with the other thing.
Our policy has to be judged against a clear test: will it improve the standard ofeducation?
Check the operator's productivity against agreed targets.
The U.S. dollar is down against most foreign currencies today.
Synonyms: in comparison to, in return for, in compensation for, in exchange against More Synonyms of against
13.
See as against
14. preposition
The odds against something happening are the chances or odds that it will not happen.
The odds against him surviving are incredible.
Against is also an adverb.
What were the odds against?
15. up against
16. against the clock
More Synonyms of against
English Easy Learning GrammarPrepositionsA preposition is one of a small but very common group of words that relate differentitems to each other. Most English prepositions have a number of meanings ... Read more
against in British English
(əˈɡɛnst, əˈɡeɪnst)
preposition
1.
opposed to; in conflict or disagreement with
they fought against the legislation
2.
standing or leaning beside or in front of
a ladder against the wall
3.
coming in contact with
the branches of a tree brushed against the bus
4.
in contrast to
silhouettes are outlines against a light background
5.
having an adverse or unfavourable effect on
the economic system works against small independent companies
6.
as a protection from or means of defence from the adverse effects of
a safeguard against contaminated water
7.
in exchange for or in return for
8. rare
in preparation for
he gave them warm clothing against their journey through the night
9. as against
Word origin
C12: ageines, from again, ageyn, etc, again + -es genitive ending; the spelling with -t (C16) was probably due to confusion with superlatives ending in -st
against in American English
(əˈgɛnst; also, Chiefly Canadian and British əˈgeɪnst)
preposition
1.
a.
in opposition to or competition with
a fight against evil
b.
contrary to
against one's will
2.
toward so as to press on or strike
push against the door; throw the ball against the wall
3.
in contact with
a ladder leaned against the barn
4.
opposite to the course or direction of
driving against the traffic
5.
a.
in contrast with
green against the gold
b.
in comparison with
items checked against a list
6.
in preparation for; for the possibility of
we provided against a poor crop
7.
as a debit or charge on
a bill entered against our account
8. Dialectal
next to; adjoining
the house against the church
conjunction
9. Archaic
by the time that; before
Idioms:
over against
Word origin
ME ayeynst, opposite to, facing < OE ongegn, ongean (see again), with adv. gen. -es + unhistoric -t
Examples of 'against' in a sentence
against
In each episode four bakers from past series will compete against each other.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They have something against refugees and do not think they should be here.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Player withdrawals were what we were fighting against before and something we don't want to see return.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is understood disciplinary action will begin shortly against those allegedly responsible, potentially removing them from their posts.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We were in an orchestra run by the council and we also sang in the local church choir - against our will.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
He designed the ghost logo, set against a yellow background, that would soon become known around the world.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I'm not sure if it will go up against Victoria next time.
The Sun (2016)
She was terrified that there were burglars in the house, that it wasn't her house and that she was being kept there againsther will.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Preaching also gives people something over against their lives.
Christianity Today (2000)
Against this background of total war are snapshots of humanity in a world turned upside down.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The days that followed were counted off in dashed hopes of rescue set against a background of gunfire.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Tall clumps of flowering plants were grouped against a background of dark foliage in the angles of the walls.
Edith Wharton The House of Mirth (1905)
Our campaign against fracking will continue.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is something to contend against.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But the players do not know how they will line up against Nigeria tomorrow.
The Sun (2010)
You can do too much talking sometimes, and this is something to guard against.
Fletcher, Clive How to Face Interviews (1981)
If slightly away from the middle, the subject appears to be set against the background.
Freeman, Michael Collins Complete Guide to Photography (1993)
People think that if you're a car enthusiast you have something against electric cars.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Against this background, stability is key.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Against this background, a weaker pound provides a minor respite.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
I have a strong prejudice against spots of red foliage against a general background of green.
Page, Russell The Education of a Gardener (1994)
These poems will only glow the stronger when seen against the background of the darkness and horror she slipped past and then could look back on.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
You have a better chance of a very healthy and vital rock scene coming out today because there's something to react against.
The Sun (2012)
That makes it easier for visiting teams, and their proximity to London will count against them.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It certainly cranked up the pressure on getting something against the Premier League leaders.
The Sun (2014)
England had the chance to do something similar against Argentina, but they did not take it.
The Sun (2013)
Because unless we keep talking about this fraud, targeted mainly at the elderly, the battle against it will be lost.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
A couple of Democrats voted with the Republican majority against something as simple as background checks.
The Sun (2013)
I can remember we would always put something against the door -- fix the Windsor chair under the lock.
Max Arthur Lost Voices of the Edwardians: 19011910 in the words of the Men & Women Who WereThere (2006)
In other languages
against
British English: against /əˈɡɛnst; əˈɡeɪnst/ PREPOSITION
touching If something is against another thing, it is touching it.
He leaned against the wall.
American English: against
Arabic: ضِدَّ
Brazilian Portuguese: contra
Chinese: 针对
Croatian: na
Czech: u
Danish: mod
Dutch: tegen
European Spanish: contra
Finnish: vastaan
French: contre
German: gegen
Greek: σε
Italian: contro
Japanese: ･･･にもたれて
Korean: ...에 반대하여
Norwegian: mot
Polish: przeciw
European Portuguese: contra
Romanian: de
Russian: против
Latin American Spanish: contra
Swedish: mot
Thai: พิง ติดกับ
Turkish: karşı
Ukrainian: об
Vietnamese: dựa vào
British English: against /əˈɡɛnst; əˈɡeɪnst/ PREPOSITION
in opposition to If you play against someone in a game, you try to beat them.
The two teams played against one another.
American English: against
Arabic: ضِدَّ
Brazilian Portuguese: contra
Chinese: 与…对阵体育比赛
Croatian: protiv
Czech: proti
Danish: mod
Dutch: tegen
European Spanish: contra
Finnish: vastaan
French: contre
German: gegen
Greek: εναντίον
Italian: contro
Japanese: ･･･に対抗して
Korean: …에 대항하여
Norwegian: mot
Polish: przeciwko
European Portuguese: contra
Romanian: împotriva
Russian: против
Latin American Spanish: contra
Swedish: mot
Thai: สู้กับ ต้าน
Turkish: karşı
Ukrainian: проти
Vietnamese: chống lại
All related terms of 'against'
as against
If you discuss a particular set of facts or figures as against another set, you are comparing or contrasting the two sets of facts or figures.
go against
If a person or their behaviour goes against your wishes , beliefs, or expectations , their behaviour is the opposite of what you want , believe in, or expect .
set against
If one argument or fact is set against another, it is considered in relation to it.
up against
If you are up against something, you have a very difficult situation or problem to deal with.
against time
in an effort to complete something in a limited period
brief against
If someone, especially a politician, briefs against another person, he or she tries to harm the other person's reputation by saying something unfavourable about them.
count against
If something counts against you, it may cause you to be rejected or punished , or cause people to have a lower opinion of you.
guard against
If you guard against something, you are careful to prevent it from happening , or to avoid being affected by it.
hold against
If you hold something against someone, you let their actions in the past influence your present attitude towards them and cause you to deal severely or unfairly with them.
kick against
If you kick against a situation you dislike but cannot control, you react against it in a violent , sudden , or extreme way.
over against
opposite to
take against
If you take against someone or something, you develop a dislike for them, often for no good reason.
tell against
If a feature or characteristic tells against someone, it spoils their chance of success when they are being considered for something, for example a job.
turn against
If you turn against someone or something, or if you are turned against them, you stop supporting them, trusting them, or liking them.
against nature
If you say that something is against nature , you think that it is unnatural.
run up against
If you run up against problems , you suddenly begin to experience them.
up against it
in difficulty ; esp., in financial difficulty
against all odds
If something happens against all odds , it happens or succeeds although it seemed impossible or very unlikely .
against sb's will
If something is done against your will , it is done even though you do not want it to be done.
against the clock
If you are doing something against the clock , you are doing it in a great hurry , because there is very little time.
against the grain
contrary to one's feelings, nature, wishes , etc.; irritating or displeasing
against the head
from the opposing side's put-in to the scrum
be arrayed against
to be opposed to
come up against
If you come up against a problem or difficulty , you are faced with it and have to deal with it.
hope against hope
If you hope against hope that something will happen , you hope that it will happen, although it seems impossible .
odds are against
If you say that the odds are against something or someone, you mean that they are unlikely to succeed .
play off against
If you play people off against each other, you make them compete or argue , so that you gain some advantage .
crime against nature
sodomy
Seven against Thebes
the seven members of an expedition undertaken to regain for Polynices , a son of Oedipus , his share in the throne of Thebes from his usurping brother Eteocles . The seven are usually listed as Polynices, Adrastus, Amphiaraus, Capaneus, Hippomedon, Tydeus, and Parthenopaeus. The campaign failed and the warring brothers killed each other in single combat before the Theban walls
a race against time
You describe a situation as a race against time when you have to work very fast in order to do something before a particular time, or before another thing happens .
crime against humanity
repeated actions undertaken by, or condoned by, a government, deemed to infringe human dignity and safety , such as rape , torture , murder, etc
go against the grain
If you say that an idea or action goes against the grain , you mean that it is very difficult for you to accept it or do it, because it conflicts with your previous ideas, beliefs , or principles .
have sth against sb
If you have something against someone or something, you dislike them.
offset a loss against
If a business makes a loss , it earns less than it spends .
sail against the wind
to sail a course that slants slightly away from the true direction of the wind ; sail closehauled
swim against the tide
to do or say something which is the opposite of what most other people are doing or saying
against the run of sth
If something happens against the run of play or against the run of events, it is different from what is generally happening in a game or situation .
kick against the pricks
to show your opposition to people in authority
knock one's head against
to have a violent or unpleasant encounter with ( adverse facts or circumstances )
set one's face against
to oppose with determination
against one's better judgment
contrary to a more appropriate or preferred course of action
against your better judgment
If something is against your better judgment , you believe that it would be more sensible or better not to do it.
have two strikes against one
to be at a decided disadvantage
pit one's wits against sb
If you pit your wits against someone, you compete with them in a test of knowledge or intelligence .
pit your wits against someone
to use your intelligence to try to defeat someone
come up against a brick wall
to arrive at a situation in which something is stopping you from doing what you want and preventing you from making any progress
set your face against something
to oppose something in a determined way
to set your face against sth
You can say that someone has set their face against something to indicate that they are opposed to it, especially when you want to suggest that they are wrong .
hit/come up against a brick wall
If you hit a brick wall or come up against a brick wall , you are unable to continue or make progress because something stops you.
play both ends against the middle
to pretend to support or favour two opposing people or ideas in order to gain an advantage from a situation
Chinese translation of 'against'
against
(əˈɡɛnst)
prep
(= leaning on, touching) 紧(緊)靠在 (jǐnkào zài)
⇒ He stood the ladder against the wall.他把梯子紧靠在墙上。 (Tā bǎ tīzi jǐn kào zài qiáng shang.)
⇒ She pressed her nose against the window.她把鼻子紧贴在窗户上。 (Tā bǎ bízi jǐn tiē zài chuānghù shang.)
(= opposed to) 反对(對) (fǎnduì)
⇒ He is against privatization.他反对私有化。 (Tā fǎnduì sīyǒuhuà.)
▶ to hold sth against sb 因某事对(對)某人记(記)仇 yīn mǒushì duì mǒurén jìchóu ⇒ He lost the case, but never held it against me. → 他输了这场官司，但从未因此而记恨过我。 Tā shūle zhè chǎng guānsi, dàn cóngwèi yīn cǐ ér jìhèn guo wǒ.
为(為)支持/反对(對)某事而斗(鬥)争(爭) wèi zhīchí/fǎnduì mǒushì ér dòuzhēng
to have sth against sb
讨(討)厌(厭)某人 tǎoyàn mǒurén
to hold sth against sb
因某事对(對)某人记(記)仇 yīn mǒushì duì mǒurén jìchóu ⇒ He lost the case, but never held it against me. → 他输了这场官司，但从未因此而记恨过我。 Tā shūle zhè chǎng guānsi, dàn cóngwèi yīn cǐ ér jìhèn guo wǒ.