Definition of against in English:

against

preposition əˈɡɛnstəˈɡeɪnstəˈɡɛnst

1In opposition to.
the fight against crime
he decided against immediate publication
swimming against the tide
Example sentencesExamples
- In opposition, we were against the privatisation of air traffic control, then did the opposite in power.
- It is vital in the fight against crime that the public is able to trust law enforcement officials.
- Many of the relays doing very well up against stiff opposition and bad weather.
- And he also credited the public as having played a major role in the fight against crime.
- A town centre has been awarded safer shopping status in recognition of its fight against crime.
- As has been said so many times before - in the fight against crime there can be no compromise.
- But he said they were an important weapon in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
- The fight against burglary, anti-social behaviour and serious drug crime are at the top of our list.
- Testing ourselves against opposition of this quality is one reason why we need to bounce back into the top flight.
- People don't like to change their ways and all great change has come against opposition.
- It is one of the various small ways in which the public can fight back against the people who are undermining their quality of life.
- The sooner serious and public action is taken against organised crime, the better.
- Footage from existing cameras is already helping in the fight against crime.
- Just why a public body should set itself up to start a fight against its own public is a mystery to me but they sure have a fight on their hands now!
- He has fought against it in government, in opposition and within his own party.
- We also need the respect of the general public in the fight against crime and drugs.
- In fact we have publicly challenged and argued against those of his ideas we disagree with.
- He said they were up against opposition from some people who were concerned at the damage done to the hillside.
- That's a very European idea, which needs to fight against a tough tide of facts for survival.
- News that technology is assisting the fight against crime has been welcomed.
Synonyms
opposed to, in opposition to, hostile to, averse to, antagonistic towards, inimical to, unsympathetic to, resistant to, at odds with, in disagreement with, contra
in defiance of, versus, counter, at cross purposes with, dead set against
informal anti, con, agin
1. 1.1 In opposition to, with reference to legal action.
  the first victim gave evidence against him
  Example sentencesExamples
  Pharmacy representatives have until Saturday May 7 to appeal against the decision.
  A Home Office spokesman said today a decision had not yet been made on whether to appeal against the decision.
  An officer cannot appeal against a decision for an allegation to be formally investigated.
  His lawyers have been instructed to begin legal action against the newspaper.
  An appeal against the council's decision was turned down two months later.
  They held an urgent meeting last week to consider taking legal action against the police.
  With no thought for their own safety, the women took a decision to give evidence against their tormentors in court.
  Those who ignore the zone can be reported to trading standards officers who might take legal action against them.
  Unlike England, the poor had the right of legal appeal against the denial of relief.
  However, that was refused and they did not appeal against the decision.
  We will not tolerate abuse of staff who are simply trying to do their job and we will take legal action against residents who do this.
  He is considering legal action against the FBI and has discussed his case with a lawyer friend in Cape Town.
  He has no right to appeal against deportation but under a legal loophole can appeal against the destination.
  Arthur's legal action against the police, believed to be over pension rights, is continuing.
  But the objectors believe that the mobile phone company is to appeal against the decision.
  The employee should get a written explanation of this and must be told that he or she has the right to appeal against your decision.
  There is no automatic appeal procedure against the adjudicator's decision.
  But the pub is appealing against the decision and is allowed to continue trading in the meantime.
  It was not the first time the company had appealed against a decision.
  It is understood there have been no threats of legal action against them from the victims' families.
2. 1.2 In opposition to, with reference to a sporting contest.
  the championship match against Somerset
  Example sentencesExamples
  Five weeks of club games and disrupted training sessions prefaced their match against Limerick.
  I am optimistic that we have the tools to mount a reasonable contest against the midfield teams this year.
  What I am concentrating on now is the first match against the world champions Germany.
  United started well against Portsmouth and the game was over after 16 minutes.
  In the last game against Brisbane he lacked match fitness and failed to make a contribution.
  We may have lost the match against Brazil but the game has helped to save the life of a local man.
  The team were very nervous in their opening matches against Israel and Portugal.
  But now all he wants to do is get home before the Whites big match against Manchester City this weekend.
  The remaining 17 games include matches against all the other sides in the bottom eight.
  Their whole season rests on a home contest against Bolton on Saturday April 17.
  The match against Coleraine this Saturday gives him the perfect opportunity to do this.
  The team won five matches and only dropped one game for the round against Navy in the lead up to the finals.
  I think after the England game we had gone into the match against Italy with a little trepidation.
  Obviously injuries may be picked up in their Boxing Day game against Portsmouth, so keep one eye on that match.
  It was the Czechs' seventh win in nine world championship games against its neighbor.
  It is to these moments that the team would be looking tonight in this crucial game against Costa Rica.
  Saturday's game against Altrincham was a tense affair with everyone knowing a win could clinch us the title.
  Their final contest will be against the loser of the final of each respective other table.
  His mother recalls watching that thrilling doubles match against the Israeli champions.
  There is no doubt that the match against Italy in a fortnight's time is a huge game for us.
2In anticipation of and preparation for (a problem or difficulty)
he gritted his teeth against the pain
makeshift barricades against tank attacks
Example sentencesExamples
- Artists may join a union from which they receive insurance against unemployment.
- Daniel gritted his teeth against the overwhelming sensations that were taking hold of him.
- It covers your repayments against accident, sickness, involuntary unemployment.
- Gritting his teeth against the agony, he slowly turned his head to look at Danny.
- How could the government especially appear so defenseless against a direct attack?
- He says his action has stalled because he will not go to court without insurance against the possibility of losing.
- Uranium was used to shield tanks against attack by conventional armour-piercing weapons.
- Groaning and biting her teeth against the pain she pushed herself to her knees.
- She clenched her teeth against the pain that flooded through her and tried to calm down.
- By the way, a large number of cyclists carry insurance against third party claims.
- Claire gritted her teeth against the pain, a high, keen sound escaping her lips.
- It was my insurance against fate, and I had to make sure that nobody would take it away.
- During the Second World War the defences were rescarped against tank attack.
- It is, for the time being, a great insurance against any terrorist attack.
- Brushing at night is important as it protects teeth against acid attack while you are asleep.
- The film shows how she and her mother battled against her learning difficulties.
- In which case, would it not be prudent to take out some insurance against the event?
- They thus gave permission for them to take out insurance against damage suffered.
- He closed his eyes and let his power surge through him, gritting his teeth against the torrent.
Synonyms
in case of, in/as provision for, in preparation for, in anticipation of, in expectation of
1. 2.1 In resistance to; as protection from.
  he turned up his collar against the wind
  Example sentencesExamples
  The skin is constantly hydrated and has protection against line-producing dehydration.
  Vines are trained on low bushes as protection against the strong winds.
  The early poncho was worn by men of all classes as a garment for protection against the rain and cold.
  Without protection of the sails against a merciless sun, it became unbearable on deck.
  How does she pick a male whose genetic complement confers protection against disease?
  He had a brown suede jacket with light brown denim pants, his collar was turned up against the wind.
  Again the opportunity to identify the importance of protection against cold for survivors at sea was missed.
  The roof of the cabin has been engineered to provide protection against head injuries in the event of a collision.
  Well saved turf was the only protection the family had against cold and disease in winter.
  As to the protection against lightning, there is not much difference between the two.
  The best protection against loss, damage or injury due to wildfire is prevention.
  It says the crop residue holds soil in place and protects it against wind and rain.
  Protection against winter cold will give some plants in the garden a better chance of making it through to the spring.
  A curtain has been fixed at the eastern end of the shelter as a protection against the driving wind and rain.
  Some people have a strong resistance against the flu virus, while it caused others to die.
  Currently, parents wanting protection against polio are offered oral vaccinations.
  I've repotted my ornamental grass into a deeper pot, to give it better protection against drying out.
  Not only will they be unable to use parasols for protection against the sun, they will not be allowed to take in food or drink.
  The only other protection against the elements was a 2ft high wall at the back of the shelter.
  Rounded towers and thick bulwarks provided maximum protection against the siege engines of that era.
  Synonyms
  to protect oneself from, in resistance to
2. 2.2 In relation to (an amount of money owed, due, or lent) so as to reduce, cancel, or secure it.
  money was advanced against the value of the property
  Example sentencesExamples
  Furthermore, many clubs have borrowed money against future season ticket sales.
  The family wanted to use the farmhouse against borrowing money to buy further farm land.
  Investors who plough money in these schemes can offset rental income against tax.
  The one major advantage property does have is that it's much easier to borrow money against it.
  Your home may be at risk if you do not keep up payments on a mortgage or any other loan secured against it.
  I have recently taken out a loan secured against my property, so am I going to regret it?
  Mortgage interest will be allowable against rental income and VAT is recoverable.
  That way co-buyers can choose to top up items which are almost ready to be bought, or start a new item with no money against it.
  Negative equity occurs when the loan secured against a property is greater than the value of the property itself.
  Think long and hard about borrowing money against the roof over your head.
  Those loans will often be secured against the value of the property on which the advances are being made.
  Arrange an expensive short-term loan secured against these properties until they are sold.
  Landlords can offset the interest they pay on their mortgage against rental income to reduce the amount of tax they pay.
  This has resulted in massive volume growth in lending against rising asset values.
  It has also been reported that some institutions may even lend against a work of art to buy more art!
  Housing associations would be able to secure bank loans against the properties to carry out repairs.
  He must carry forward the unused part of his limit for set off against his income in the following year.
  In the Eighties, tax breaks were offered against money invested in tree plantations.
  In a recent article, we wrote about the dangers of borrowing money against your home.
  Invoice financing is similar to factoring, where banks lend against sales and money owed by debtors.
3. 2.3 (in betting) in anticipation of the failure of.
  the odds were 5–1 against England
  Example sentencesExamples
  The crowd gasped again, and there was a happy cry from the one man who had bet against me.
  If they do win, it really will be a magnificent team performance but I would not bet against Wigan in this.
  Given the performance of semiconductor stocks in the past year, who wants to bet against him?
  Betting exchanges allow people to bet against each other person-to-person over the internet.
  This is because gold is not only seen as a hedge against the dollar, but as a financial bet against inflation too.
  I think there were people who bet against him yesterday who were cheering him past the post.
  He has already won 21 races and few would bet against that number increasing in the season to come.
  This is not really a poker game, in that players do not bet against each other.
  The former champion will be the runaway favourite for Le Tour again this year - and few would bet against him.
  Who would bet against him adding Olympic gold to his Tour de France crown.
  If the player does not wish to bet against the second card, a third card can be called for at the same price.
  Would anyone bet against Real Madrid reaching the latter stages if they were pitched into the World Cup?
  And who's betting against the team adding a new chapter to the story this weekend?
  Who would bet against Penrith not overtaking Aspatria next season as Cumbria's Number Two club?
  Byrd is favored but people have gone to the poor house betting against Evander Holyfield.
  While there will be even more chances to bet, the odds are against even more punters winning.
  From August the odds each month against winning the jackpot are 13 billion to one for each bond.
  He did, truth to be told, bet against Liverpool but it was a wager we were happy to lose.
  If they continue in this vein it will be a brave man who bets against them winning a fourth successive title.
  United will be very strong favourites to win this cup and a strong man would bet against them.
3In or into physical contact with (something), so as to be supported by or collide with it.
she stood with her back against the door
frustration made him bang his head against the wall
Example sentencesExamples
- The police Sergeant said a man grabbed her by the hair and pinned her against the wall.
- Rocky almost knocked him out when he burst in the house, slamming the door against he wall.
- Neighbours then heard an argument, the sounds of somebody being pushed against a wall and banging doors.
- The delegation heard that one inmate had complained that his head was repeatedly banged against a wall by an officer.
- She put out a hand against the wall for support, and took several soothing breaths.
- She slowly crawled over to the right of the door, leaned up against the wall, and brought her knees to her chest.
- It banged against the wall with a resounding thud that echoed through the ship.
- He said the man grabbed hold of him and banged his back against a low garden wall four or five times.
- After one last, warning crush, he let go, my frame slumping against the wall for support.
- In other incidents I have received bruises, a sprained thumb and had my head banged against a wall.
- There was another thump, and then something banged up against the door to her lab.
- He held my head in his lap so I couldn't bang it against the wall, and he wrapped his arms around me and held me.
- She was grabbed by the hair, pushed against the wall and had her head banged several times by the accused.
- This is done by cutting off all fruited canes at the base and untangling new growth and tying it to supports against the wall or fence.
- The man finally stops his kicking and he grabs me by my hair and slams me against the wall.
- She banged her head lightly against the wall and heard the ringing noise of metal.
- I can relate to that desire to light a wood fire and sleep against the ground and watch the stars and the coming light.
- The door was slammed hard against the wall, sending it rocking on its hinges.
- It is helpful here to perform the postures against a support such as a wall.
- To help keep the plant in check, it is best grown in a container and the stems trained against a support.
Synonyms
touching, in contact with, close up to, up against, abutting, on, adjacent to
4In conceptual contrast to.
the benefits must be weighed against the costs
Example sentencesExamples
- The benefits of overthrow must of course be weighed against the horrific costs of war.
- Businesses say the advantages of trading with Europe have to be weighed against the increased cost of red tape.
- This has to be weighed against the cost of redeeming early and the fees that often accompany taking out a new deal.
- But this long-term view has to be weighed against all the work that needs to be undertaken now.
- The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression.
- But the huge provision of liquidity by the Federal Reserve could weigh against the dollar.
- Vaccinations are expensive and costs must be weighed up against the risks involved.
- The benefits of this approach must be weighed against the morbidity of the procedure.
- Weighing against this are the potential inflation effects of the weak dollar.
- Having to make decisions can be stressful, because you have to weigh one option against another.
- The need to be met is not weighed against other needs in such a way as to order a phasing of the process.
- The doctor said the benefits of any radiotherapy had to be weighed against the risks of the treatment.
- The harm of ending an incipient life must be weighed against the consequences for society.
- The various institutions which affect opportunity must be weighed against each other.
- However, this must also be weighed up against the standard of medical care available.
- If you weigh that against good behaviour for the last year does that warrant releasing him into the public?
- Once again the advantages and disadvantages have to be weighed against each other.
- These considerations must be weighed against the harm to the man as a result of testing.
Synonyms
against, in opposition to, contrary to, at variance with, in defiance of, in contravention of, contrarily, contrariwise, conversely
1. 4.1 In visual contrast to.
  he was silhouetted against the light of the stair window
  Example sentencesExamples
  With the cirrus they created a faint lattice of white against light blue.
  Black clouds obscure flashes of orange light against the night sky in the city.
  They said one firework looked like a traffic light but he could see none of the colours against the night sky.
  Behind us, a small silhouette against a light grey sky was the castle.
  It was silhouetted against the flames and it looked like a huge rocket.
  I set up behind a thick screen of rushes, staying low so that I wasn't silhouetted against the sky.
  Its benign silhouette squats against the southern sky like some fat Buddha.
  Eight mounted figures appeared on the other ridge, silhouetted against the sky.
  Gaze up at the horizon and see the silhouette of the fort against the night sky.
  Mai appeared at the door, silhouetted against the brighter light from the other room.
  Silhouetted against the afterglow, these fiercest of hawks formed an impressive picture.
  They were monolithic silhouettes against the summer night, sharing the fate of all buildings.
  All but one of the boilers remained in position, silhouetted against the green water and ambient light.
  We walked out of the station and I looked up at the city walls, silhouetted against the darkening evening sky.
  Others climbed high, silhouetted against the sky, before returning to the marsh.
  It was not quite dark and the lights looked really cool against the dark blue.
  Its silhouette against the sky is unique, the sound of its engine unmistakable.
  The little one stands at the entrance to the cave, her form black against the light of the full moon.
  The first thing we see on stage is the old lady in her rocking chair silhouetted against a window.
  The stern grey walls of the city were silhouetted against the flaming sky as the sun set.
  Synonyms
  in contrast to, as a foil to

Phrases

against one's wishes

When one is unwilling or has refused.
if any photos or information are included here against your wishes, please let me know and they will be removed immediately
Example sentencesExamples
- Gladstone a suffragette prisoner was fed, against her wishes, whilst on hunger strike.
- He was removed from Broadmoor high security psychiatric hospital against his wishes.
- Jacqui Smith had clashed with Mr Johnson over the departure of Sir Ian, who was ousted against her wishes.
- Her father, a noble magistrate in Grenoble, sent her, against her wishes, to become a nun.
- Mrs Wilson said her brother will now be cremated, against her wishes.
- I am not aware of anyone being made redundant against their wishes.
- Women do not necessarily grow to love the man they marry against their wishes.
- Strangely enough, I had to leave my close comrades-in-arms behind or send them, against their wishes, to distant places.
- She henceforth found herself in the vehicle against her wishes.
- We would not accept the Vatican (or anyone else) reburying our dearest against their wishes.

against the law (or rules)

Illegal or unlawful.
cockfighting has been against the law in South Carolina for 120 years
it was against the rules to leave the dormitory after midnight
Example sentencesExamples
- Using cruise control in Belgium is against the law.
- It's against the law for these children to be locked up.
- Craig's arrest was second-rate entrapment for something that shouldn't be against the law in the first place.
- The question now is whether it was against the law.
- High Court judge Mr Justice Burton ruled in April this year that IR35 was not against the law.
- Unauthorised racing on the road is already against the law.
- According to Help the Aged research, more than 80 % of us think age discrimination is already against the law.
- It may be against the common practice, not against the law.
- However, ethics aside, to force an employee to pay for a mistake, even one due to carelessness is against the law.
- To have a picture of the Dalai Lama is against the law.

have something against someone

Dislike or bear a grudge towards someone.
I have nothing against you personally
Example sentencesExamples
- I just wanted to tell her that I didn't have any grudges against her!
- She said: ‘I don't know anyone who would have a grudge against me and want to do this.’
- I think it must be someone who wants us out of the area or has a grudge against us but we're not moving anywhere.
- But, just for the record, I really don't have any grudge against you, so don't take it personally.
- I can't think of anyone at all that has a grudge against us and I have no idea if it's the same person or different people each time.
- ‘Somebody obviously has a grudge against us,’ she said.
- It was just malicious damage, so it looks like somebody has a grudge against him.
- The chief engineer said: We don't know if the culprit has a grudge against us or whether it is simply vandalism.
- She was anxious that I should not have a grudge against the country, but I was already feeling quite at home.
- He told police in interviews that his victim could have been anybody and he had no grudge against the man.

Origin

Middle English: from again + -s (adverbial genitive) + -t probably by association with superlatives (as in amongst).

Rhymes

unfenced

Definition of against in US English:

against

prepositionəˈɡenstəˈɡɛnst

1In opposition to.
the fight against crime
he decided against immediate publication
swimming against the tide
Example sentencesExamples
- Testing ourselves against opposition of this quality is one reason why we need to bounce back into the top flight.
- As has been said so many times before - in the fight against crime there can be no compromise.
- That's a very European idea, which needs to fight against a tough tide of facts for survival.
- It is vital in the fight against crime that the public is able to trust law enforcement officials.
- The sooner serious and public action is taken against organised crime, the better.
- The fight against burglary, anti-social behaviour and serious drug crime are at the top of our list.
- But he said they were an important weapon in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
- He has fought against it in government, in opposition and within his own party.
- And he also credited the public as having played a major role in the fight against crime.
- People don't like to change their ways and all great change has come against opposition.
- Just why a public body should set itself up to start a fight against its own public is a mystery to me but they sure have a fight on their hands now!
- A town centre has been awarded safer shopping status in recognition of its fight against crime.
- Footage from existing cameras is already helping in the fight against crime.
- It is one of the various small ways in which the public can fight back against the people who are undermining their quality of life.
- News that technology is assisting the fight against crime has been welcomed.
- In opposition, we were against the privatisation of air traffic control, then did the opposite in power.
- In fact we have publicly challenged and argued against those of his ideas we disagree with.
- He said they were up against opposition from some people who were concerned at the damage done to the hillside.
- Many of the relays doing very well up against stiff opposition and bad weather.
- We also need the respect of the general public in the fight against crime and drugs.
Synonyms
opposed to, in opposition to, hostile to, averse to, antagonistic towards, inimical to, unsympathetic to, resistant to, at odds with, in disagreement with, contra
1. 1.1 In opposition to, with reference to legal action.
  the first victim gave evidence against him
  allegations against police officers
  Example sentencesExamples
  We will not tolerate abuse of staff who are simply trying to do their job and we will take legal action against residents who do this.
  Arthur's legal action against the police, believed to be over pension rights, is continuing.
  He has no right to appeal against deportation but under a legal loophole can appeal against the destination.
  Pharmacy representatives have until Saturday May 7 to appeal against the decision.
  Unlike England, the poor had the right of legal appeal against the denial of relief.
  An appeal against the council's decision was turned down two months later.
  His lawyers have been instructed to begin legal action against the newspaper.
  But the objectors believe that the mobile phone company is to appeal against the decision.
  Those who ignore the zone can be reported to trading standards officers who might take legal action against them.
  He is considering legal action against the FBI and has discussed his case with a lawyer friend in Cape Town.
  There is no automatic appeal procedure against the adjudicator's decision.
  With no thought for their own safety, the women took a decision to give evidence against their tormentors in court.
  The employee should get a written explanation of this and must be told that he or she has the right to appeal against your decision.
  An officer cannot appeal against a decision for an allegation to be formally investigated.
  It was not the first time the company had appealed against a decision.
  However, that was refused and they did not appeal against the decision.
  A Home Office spokesman said today a decision had not yet been made on whether to appeal against the decision.
  It is understood there have been no threats of legal action against them from the victims' families.
  But the pub is appealing against the decision and is allowed to continue trading in the meantime.
  They held an urgent meeting last week to consider taking legal action against the police.
2. 1.2 In opposition to, with reference to an athletic contest.
  the championship game against Virginia
  Example sentencesExamples
  The team won five matches and only dropped one game for the round against Navy in the lead up to the finals.
  But now all he wants to do is get home before the Whites big match against Manchester City this weekend.
  What I am concentrating on now is the first match against the world champions Germany.
  The remaining 17 games include matches against all the other sides in the bottom eight.
  In the last game against Brisbane he lacked match fitness and failed to make a contribution.
  United started well against Portsmouth and the game was over after 16 minutes.
  The match against Coleraine this Saturday gives him the perfect opportunity to do this.
  Their final contest will be against the loser of the final of each respective other table.
  His mother recalls watching that thrilling doubles match against the Israeli champions.
  Saturday's game against Altrincham was a tense affair with everyone knowing a win could clinch us the title.
  It is to these moments that the team would be looking tonight in this crucial game against Costa Rica.
  Five weeks of club games and disrupted training sessions prefaced their match against Limerick.
  It was the Czechs' seventh win in nine world championship games against its neighbor.
  I think after the England game we had gone into the match against Italy with a little trepidation.
  The team were very nervous in their opening matches against Israel and Portugal.
  Obviously injuries may be picked up in their Boxing Day game against Portsmouth, so keep one eye on that match.
  There is no doubt that the match against Italy in a fortnight's time is a huge game for us.
  Their whole season rests on a home contest against Bolton on Saturday April 17.
  I am optimistic that we have the tools to mount a reasonable contest against the midfield teams this year.
  We may have lost the match against Brazil but the game has helped to save the life of a local man.
2In anticipation of and preparation for (a problem or difficulty)
insurance against sickness and unemployment
Example sentencesExamples
- Claire gritted her teeth against the pain, a high, keen sound escaping her lips.
- Brushing at night is important as it protects teeth against acid attack while you are asleep.
- She clenched her teeth against the pain that flooded through her and tried to calm down.
- Artists may join a union from which they receive insurance against unemployment.
- It was my insurance against fate, and I had to make sure that nobody would take it away.
- The film shows how she and her mother battled against her learning difficulties.
- How could the government especially appear so defenseless against a direct attack?
- By the way, a large number of cyclists carry insurance against third party claims.
- Uranium was used to shield tanks against attack by conventional armour-piercing weapons.
- It is, for the time being, a great insurance against any terrorist attack.
- During the Second World War the defences were rescarped against tank attack.
- It covers your repayments against accident, sickness, involuntary unemployment.
- He closed his eyes and let his power surge through him, gritting his teeth against the torrent.
- They thus gave permission for them to take out insurance against damage suffered.
- Gritting his teeth against the agony, he slowly turned his head to look at Danny.
- In which case, would it not be prudent to take out some insurance against the event?
- Groaning and biting her teeth against the pain she pushed herself to her knees.
- Daniel gritted his teeth against the overwhelming sensations that were taking hold of him.
- He says his action has stalled because he will not go to court without insurance against the possibility of losing.
Synonyms
in case of, as provision for, in provision for, in preparation for, in anticipation of, in expectation of
1. 2.1 In resistance to; as protection from.
  he turned up his collar against the wind
  Example sentencesExamples
  The roof of the cabin has been engineered to provide protection against head injuries in the event of a collision.
  How does she pick a male whose genetic complement confers protection against disease?
  Rounded towers and thick bulwarks provided maximum protection against the siege engines of that era.
  Well saved turf was the only protection the family had against cold and disease in winter.
  As to the protection against lightning, there is not much difference between the two.
  The best protection against loss, damage or injury due to wildfire is prevention.
  Currently, parents wanting protection against polio are offered oral vaccinations.
  Some people have a strong resistance against the flu virus, while it caused others to die.
  It says the crop residue holds soil in place and protects it against wind and rain.
  Protection against winter cold will give some plants in the garden a better chance of making it through to the spring.
  The only other protection against the elements was a 2ft high wall at the back of the shelter.
  Without protection of the sails against a merciless sun, it became unbearable on deck.
  He had a brown suede jacket with light brown denim pants, his collar was turned up against the wind.
  Vines are trained on low bushes as protection against the strong winds.
  Again the opportunity to identify the importance of protection against cold for survivors at sea was missed.
  Not only will they be unable to use parasols for protection against the sun, they will not be allowed to take in food or drink.
  The early poncho was worn by men of all classes as a garment for protection against the rain and cold.
  A curtain has been fixed at the eastern end of the shelter as a protection against the driving wind and rain.
  I've repotted my ornamental grass into a deeper pot, to give it better protection against drying out.
  The skin is constantly hydrated and has protection against line-producing dehydration.
  Synonyms
  to protect oneself from, in resistance to
2. 2.2 In relation to (an amount of money owed or due) so as to reduce or cancel it.
  money was advanced against the value of the property
  Example sentencesExamples
  The family wanted to use the farmhouse against borrowing money to buy further farm land.
  Arrange an expensive short-term loan secured against these properties until they are sold.
  Invoice financing is similar to factoring, where banks lend against sales and money owed by debtors.
  That way co-buyers can choose to top up items which are almost ready to be bought, or start a new item with no money against it.
  Negative equity occurs when the loan secured against a property is greater than the value of the property itself.
  I have recently taken out a loan secured against my property, so am I going to regret it?
  Investors who plough money in these schemes can offset rental income against tax.
  Those loans will often be secured against the value of the property on which the advances are being made.
  The one major advantage property does have is that it's much easier to borrow money against it.
  Think long and hard about borrowing money against the roof over your head.
  Mortgage interest will be allowable against rental income and VAT is recoverable.
  In a recent article, we wrote about the dangers of borrowing money against your home.
  It has also been reported that some institutions may even lend against a work of art to buy more art!
  In the Eighties, tax breaks were offered against money invested in tree plantations.
  Your home may be at risk if you do not keep up payments on a mortgage or any other loan secured against it.
  Landlords can offset the interest they pay on their mortgage against rental income to reduce the amount of tax they pay.
  Furthermore, many clubs have borrowed money against future season ticket sales.
  This has resulted in massive volume growth in lending against rising asset values.
  Housing associations would be able to secure bank loans against the properties to carry out repairs.
  He must carry forward the unused part of his limit for set off against his income in the following year.
3. 2.3 (in betting) in anticipation of the failure of.
  the odds were 5–1 against Pittsburgh
  Example sentencesExamples
  The crowd gasped again, and there was a happy cry from the one man who had bet against me.
  If they do win, it really will be a magnificent team performance but I would not bet against Wigan in this.
  Betting exchanges allow people to bet against each other person-to-person over the internet.
  This is not really a poker game, in that players do not bet against each other.
  He has already won 21 races and few would bet against that number increasing in the season to come.
  If they continue in this vein it will be a brave man who bets against them winning a fourth successive title.
  He did, truth to be told, bet against Liverpool but it was a wager we were happy to lose.
  This is because gold is not only seen as a hedge against the dollar, but as a financial bet against inflation too.
  While there will be even more chances to bet, the odds are against even more punters winning.
  If the player does not wish to bet against the second card, a third card can be called for at the same price.
  United will be very strong favourites to win this cup and a strong man would bet against them.
  Who would bet against Penrith not overtaking Aspatria next season as Cumbria's Number Two club?
  And who's betting against the team adding a new chapter to the story this weekend?
  Who would bet against him adding Olympic gold to his Tour de France crown.
  Byrd is favored but people have gone to the poor house betting against Evander Holyfield.
  Given the performance of semiconductor stocks in the past year, who wants to bet against him?
  Would anyone bet against Real Madrid reaching the latter stages if they were pitched into the World Cup?
  The former champion will be the runaway favourite for Le Tour again this year - and few would bet against him.
  From August the odds each month against winning the jackpot are 13 billion to one for each bond.
  I think there were people who bet against him yesterday who were cheering him past the post.
3In or into physical contact with (something), so as to be supported by or collide with it.
she stood with her back against the door
his lips brushed against her hair
Example sentencesExamples
- She was grabbed by the hair, pushed against the wall and had her head banged several times by the accused.
- Neighbours then heard an argument, the sounds of somebody being pushed against a wall and banging doors.
- This is done by cutting off all fruited canes at the base and untangling new growth and tying it to supports against the wall or fence.
- There was another thump, and then something banged up against the door to her lab.
- The door was slammed hard against the wall, sending it rocking on its hinges.
- She put out a hand against the wall for support, and took several soothing breaths.
- It is helpful here to perform the postures against a support such as a wall.
- She slowly crawled over to the right of the door, leaned up against the wall, and brought her knees to her chest.
- To help keep the plant in check, it is best grown in a container and the stems trained against a support.
- It banged against the wall with a resounding thud that echoed through the ship.
- He said the man grabbed hold of him and banged his back against a low garden wall four or five times.
- In other incidents I have received bruises, a sprained thumb and had my head banged against a wall.
- I can relate to that desire to light a wood fire and sleep against the ground and watch the stars and the coming light.
- She banged her head lightly against the wall and heard the ringing noise of metal.
- The delegation heard that one inmate had complained that his head was repeatedly banged against a wall by an officer.
- After one last, warning crush, he let go, my frame slumping against the wall for support.
- The man finally stops his kicking and he grabs me by my hair and slams me against the wall.
- He held my head in his lap so I couldn't bang it against the wall, and he wrapped his arms around me and held me.
- Rocky almost knocked him out when he burst in the house, slamming the door against he wall.
- The police Sergeant said a man grabbed her by the hair and pinned her against the wall.
Synonyms
touching, in contact with, close up to, up against, abutting, on, adjacent to
4In conceptual contrast to.
the benefits must be weighed against the costs
the instilling of habits as against the development of understanding
Example sentencesExamples
- The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression.
- These considerations must be weighed against the harm to the man as a result of testing.
- But this long-term view has to be weighed against all the work that needs to be undertaken now.
- The various institutions which affect opportunity must be weighed against each other.
- The harm of ending an incipient life must be weighed against the consequences for society.
- Businesses say the advantages of trading with Europe have to be weighed against the increased cost of red tape.
- Vaccinations are expensive and costs must be weighed up against the risks involved.
- The benefits of this approach must be weighed against the morbidity of the procedure.
- The benefits of overthrow must of course be weighed against the horrific costs of war.
- This has to be weighed against the cost of redeeming early and the fees that often accompany taking out a new deal.
- Having to make decisions can be stressful, because you have to weigh one option against another.
- But the huge provision of liquidity by the Federal Reserve could weigh against the dollar.
- If you weigh that against good behaviour for the last year does that warrant releasing him into the public?
- The need to be met is not weighed against other needs in such a way as to order a phasing of the process.
- However, this must also be weighed up against the standard of medical care available.
- The doctor said the benefits of any radiotherapy had to be weighed against the risks of the treatment.
- Weighing against this are the potential inflation effects of the weak dollar.
- Once again the advantages and disadvantages have to be weighed against each other.
Synonyms
against, in opposition to, contrary to, at variance with, in defiance of, in contravention of, contrarily, contrariwise, conversely
1. 4.1 In visual contrast to.
  he was silhouetted against the light of the window
  Example sentencesExamples
  Its benign silhouette squats against the southern sky like some fat Buddha.
  Others climbed high, silhouetted against the sky, before returning to the marsh.
  We walked out of the station and I looked up at the city walls, silhouetted against the darkening evening sky.
  They were monolithic silhouettes against the summer night, sharing the fate of all buildings.
  Silhouetted against the afterglow, these fiercest of hawks formed an impressive picture.
  Black clouds obscure flashes of orange light against the night sky in the city.
  The first thing we see on stage is the old lady in her rocking chair silhouetted against a window.
  They said one firework looked like a traffic light but he could see none of the colours against the night sky.
  All but one of the boilers remained in position, silhouetted against the green water and ambient light.
  Eight mounted figures appeared on the other ridge, silhouetted against the sky.
  Its silhouette against the sky is unique, the sound of its engine unmistakable.
  Gaze up at the horizon and see the silhouette of the fort against the night sky.
  It was silhouetted against the flames and it looked like a huge rocket.
  I set up behind a thick screen of rushes, staying low so that I wasn't silhouetted against the sky.
  Behind us, a small silhouette against a light grey sky was the castle.
  The stern grey walls of the city were silhouetted against the flaming sky as the sun set.
  With the cirrus they created a faint lattice of white against light blue.
  It was not quite dark and the lights looked really cool against the dark blue.
  The little one stands at the entrance to the cave, her form black against the light of the full moon.
  Mai appeared at the door, silhouetted against the brighter light from the other room.
  Synonyms
  in contrast to, as a foil to

Phrases

have something against someone

Dislike or bear a grudge against someone.
I have nothing against you personally
Example sentencesExamples
- ‘Somebody obviously has a grudge against us,’ she said.
- But, just for the record, I really don't have any grudge against you, so don't take it personally.
- I just wanted to tell her that I didn't have any grudges against her!
- I think it must be someone who wants us out of the area or has a grudge against us but we're not moving anywhere.
- I can't think of anyone at all that has a grudge against us and I have no idea if it's the same person or different people each time.
- It was just malicious damage, so it looks like somebody has a grudge against him.
- She was anxious that I should not have a grudge against the country, but I was already feeling quite at home.
- He told police in interviews that his victim could have been anybody and he had no grudge against the man.
- She said: ‘I don't know anyone who would have a grudge against me and want to do this.’
- The chief engineer said: We don't know if the culprit has a grudge against us or whether it is simply vandalism.

Origin

Middle English: from again + -s (adverbial genitive) + -t probably by association with superlatives (as in amongst).

单词	against
释义	Definition of against in English: against preposition əˈɡɛnstəˈɡeɪnstəˈɡɛnst 1In opposition to. the fight against crime he decided against immediate publication swimming against the tide Example sentencesExamples In opposition, we were against the privatisation of air traffic control, then did the opposite in power. It is vital in the fight against crime that the public is able to trust law enforcement officials. Many of the relays doing very well up against stiff opposition and bad weather. And he also credited the public as having played a major role in the fight against crime. A town centre has been awarded safer shopping status in recognition of its fight against crime. As has been said so many times before - in the fight against crime there can be no compromise. But he said they were an important weapon in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. The fight against burglary, anti-social behaviour and serious drug crime are at the top of our list. Testing ourselves against opposition of this quality is one reason why we need to bounce back into the top flight. People don't like to change their ways and all great change has come against opposition. It is one of the various small ways in which the public can fight back against the people who are undermining their quality of life. The sooner serious and public action is taken against organised crime, the better. Footage from existing cameras is already helping in the fight against crime. Just why a public body should set itself up to start a fight against its own public is a mystery to me but they sure have a fight on their hands now! He has fought against it in government, in opposition and within his own party. We also need the respect of the general public in the fight against crime and drugs. In fact we have publicly challenged and argued against those of his ideas we disagree with. He said they were up against opposition from some people who were concerned at the damage done to the hillside. That's a very European idea, which needs to fight against a tough tide of facts for survival. News that technology is assisting the fight against crime has been welcomed. Synonyms opposed to, in opposition to, hostile to, averse to, antagonistic towards, inimical to, unsympathetic to, resistant to, at odds with, in disagreement with, contra in defiance of, versus, counter, at cross purposes with, dead set against informal anti, con, agin 1.1 In opposition to, with reference to legal action. the first victim gave evidence against him Example sentencesExamples Pharmacy representatives have until Saturday May 7 to appeal against the decision. A Home Office spokesman said today a decision had not yet been made on whether to appeal against the decision. An officer cannot appeal against a decision for an allegation to be formally investigated. His lawyers have been instructed to begin legal action against the newspaper. An appeal against the council's decision was turned down two months later. They held an urgent meeting last week to consider taking legal action against the police. With no thought for their own safety, the women took a decision to give evidence against their tormentors in court. Those who ignore the zone can be reported to trading standards officers who might take legal action against them. Unlike England, the poor had the right of legal appeal against the denial of relief. However, that was refused and they did not appeal against the decision. We will not tolerate abuse of staff who are simply trying to do their job and we will take legal action against residents who do this. He is considering legal action against the FBI and has discussed his case with a lawyer friend in Cape Town. He has no right to appeal against deportation but under a legal loophole can appeal against the destination. Arthur's legal action against the police, believed to be over pension rights, is continuing. But the objectors believe that the mobile phone company is to appeal against the decision. The employee should get a written explanation of this and must be told that he or she has the right to appeal against your decision. There is no automatic appeal procedure against the adjudicator's decision. But the pub is appealing against the decision and is allowed to continue trading in the meantime. It was not the first time the company had appealed against a decision. It is understood there have been no threats of legal action against them from the victims' families. 1.2 In opposition to, with reference to a sporting contest. the championship match against Somerset Example sentencesExamples Five weeks of club games and disrupted training sessions prefaced their match against Limerick. I am optimistic that we have the tools to mount a reasonable contest against the midfield teams this year. What I am concentrating on now is the first match against the world champions Germany. United started well against Portsmouth and the game was over after 16 minutes. In the last game against Brisbane he lacked match fitness and failed to make a contribution. We may have lost the match against Brazil but the game has helped to save the life of a local man. The team were very nervous in their opening matches against Israel and Portugal. But now all he wants to do is get home before the Whites big match against Manchester City this weekend. The remaining 17 games include matches against all the other sides in the bottom eight. Their whole season rests on a home contest against Bolton on Saturday April 17. The match against Coleraine this Saturday gives him the perfect opportunity to do this. The team won five matches and only dropped one game for the round against Navy in the lead up to the finals. I think after the England game we had gone into the match against Italy with a little trepidation. Obviously injuries may be picked up in their Boxing Day game against Portsmouth, so keep one eye on that match. It was the Czechs' seventh win in nine world championship games against its neighbor. It is to these moments that the team would be looking tonight in this crucial game against Costa Rica. Saturday's game against Altrincham was a tense affair with everyone knowing a win could clinch us the title. Their final contest will be against the loser of the final of each respective other table. His mother recalls watching that thrilling doubles match against the Israeli champions. There is no doubt that the match against Italy in a fortnight's time is a huge game for us. 2In anticipation of and preparation for (a problem or difficulty) he gritted his teeth against the pain makeshift barricades against tank attacks Example sentencesExamples Artists may join a union from which they receive insurance against unemployment. Daniel gritted his teeth against the overwhelming sensations that were taking hold of him. It covers your repayments against accident, sickness, involuntary unemployment. Gritting his teeth against the agony, he slowly turned his head to look at Danny. How could the government especially appear so defenseless against a direct attack? He says his action has stalled because he will not go to court without insurance against the possibility of losing. Uranium was used to shield tanks against attack by conventional armour-piercing weapons. Groaning and biting her teeth against the pain she pushed herself to her knees. She clenched her teeth against the pain that flooded through her and tried to calm down. By the way, a large number of cyclists carry insurance against third party claims. Claire gritted her teeth against the pain, a high, keen sound escaping her lips. It was my insurance against fate, and I had to make sure that nobody would take it away. During the Second World War the defences were rescarped against tank attack. It is, for the time being, a great insurance against any terrorist attack. Brushing at night is important as it protects teeth against acid attack while you are asleep. The film shows how she and her mother battled against her learning difficulties. In which case, would it not be prudent to take out some insurance against the event? They thus gave permission for them to take out insurance against damage suffered. He closed his eyes and let his power surge through him, gritting his teeth against the torrent. Synonyms in case of, in/as provision for, in preparation for, in anticipation of, in expectation of 2.1 In resistance to; as protection from. he turned up his collar against the wind Example sentencesExamples The skin is constantly hydrated and has protection against line-producing dehydration. Vines are trained on low bushes as protection against the strong winds. The early poncho was worn by men of all classes as a garment for protection against the rain and cold. Without protection of the sails against a merciless sun, it became unbearable on deck. How does she pick a male whose genetic complement confers protection against disease? He had a brown suede jacket with light brown denim pants, his collar was turned up against the wind. Again the opportunity to identify the importance of protection against cold for survivors at sea was missed. The roof of the cabin has been engineered to provide protection against head injuries in the event of a collision. Well saved turf was the only protection the family had against cold and disease in winter. As to the protection against lightning, there is not much difference between the two. The best protection against loss, damage or injury due to wildfire is prevention. It says the crop residue holds soil in place and protects it against wind and rain. Protection against winter cold will give some plants in the garden a better chance of making it through to the spring. A curtain has been fixed at the eastern end of the shelter as a protection against the driving wind and rain. Some people have a strong resistance against the flu virus, while it caused others to die. Currently, parents wanting protection against polio are offered oral vaccinations. I've repotted my ornamental grass into a deeper pot, to give it better protection against drying out. Not only will they be unable to use parasols for protection against the sun, they will not be allowed to take in food or drink. The only other protection against the elements was a 2ft high wall at the back of the shelter. Rounded towers and thick bulwarks provided maximum protection against the siege engines of that era. Synonyms to protect oneself from, in resistance to 2.2 In relation to (an amount of money owed, due, or lent) so as to reduce, cancel, or secure it. money was advanced against the value of the property Example sentencesExamples Furthermore, many clubs have borrowed money against future season ticket sales. The family wanted to use the farmhouse against borrowing money to buy further farm land. Investors who plough money in these schemes can offset rental income against tax. The one major advantage property does have is that it's much easier to borrow money against it. Your home may be at risk if you do not keep up payments on a mortgage or any other loan secured against it. I have recently taken out a loan secured against my property, so am I going to regret it? Mortgage interest will be allowable against rental income and VAT is recoverable. That way co-buyers can choose to top up items which are almost ready to be bought, or start a new item with no money against it. Negative equity occurs when the loan secured against a property is greater than the value of the property itself. Think long and hard about borrowing money against the roof over your head. Those loans will often be secured against the value of the property on which the advances are being made. Arrange an expensive short-term loan secured against these properties until they are sold. Landlords can offset the interest they pay on their mortgage against rental income to reduce the amount of tax they pay. This has resulted in massive volume growth in lending against rising asset values. It has also been reported that some institutions may even lend against a work of art to buy more art! Housing associations would be able to secure bank loans against the properties to carry out repairs. He must carry forward the unused part of his limit for set off against his income in the following year. In the Eighties, tax breaks were offered against money invested in tree plantations. In a recent article, we wrote about the dangers of borrowing money against your home. Invoice financing is similar to factoring, where banks lend against sales and money owed by debtors. 2.3 (in betting) in anticipation of the failure of. the odds were 5–1 against England Example sentencesExamples The crowd gasped again, and there was a happy cry from the one man who had bet against me. If they do win, it really will be a magnificent team performance but I would not bet against Wigan in this. Given the performance of semiconductor stocks in the past year, who wants to bet against him? Betting exchanges allow people to bet against each other person-to-person over the internet. This is because gold is not only seen as a hedge against the dollar, but as a financial bet against inflation too. I think there were people who bet against him yesterday who were cheering him past the post. He has already won 21 races and few would bet against that number increasing in the season to come. This is not really a poker game, in that players do not bet against each other. The former champion will be the runaway favourite for Le Tour again this year - and few would bet against him. Who would bet against him adding Olympic gold to his Tour de France crown. If the player does not wish to bet against the second card, a third card can be called for at the same price. Would anyone bet against Real Madrid reaching the latter stages if they were pitched into the World Cup? And who's betting against the team adding a new chapter to the story this weekend? Who would bet against Penrith not overtaking Aspatria next season as Cumbria's Number Two club? Byrd is favored but people have gone to the poor house betting against Evander Holyfield. While there will be even more chances to bet, the odds are against even more punters winning. From August the odds each month against winning the jackpot are 13 billion to one for each bond. He did, truth to be told, bet against Liverpool but it was a wager we were happy to lose. If they continue in this vein it will be a brave man who bets against them winning a fourth successive title. United will be very strong favourites to win this cup and a strong man would bet against them. 3In or into physical contact with (something), so as to be supported by or collide with it. she stood with her back against the door frustration made him bang his head against the wall Example sentencesExamples The police Sergeant said a man grabbed her by the hair and pinned her against the wall. Rocky almost knocked him out when he burst in the house, slamming the door against he wall. Neighbours then heard an argument, the sounds of somebody being pushed against a wall and banging doors. The delegation heard that one inmate had complained that his head was repeatedly banged against a wall by an officer. She put out a hand against the wall for support, and took several soothing breaths. She slowly crawled over to the right of the door, leaned up against the wall, and brought her knees to her chest. It banged against the wall with a resounding thud that echoed through the ship. He said the man grabbed hold of him and banged his back against a low garden wall four or five times. After one last, warning crush, he let go, my frame slumping against the wall for support. In other incidents I have received bruises, a sprained thumb and had my head banged against a wall. There was another thump, and then something banged up against the door to her lab. He held my head in his lap so I couldn't bang it against the wall, and he wrapped his arms around me and held me. She was grabbed by the hair, pushed against the wall and had her head banged several times by the accused. This is done by cutting off all fruited canes at the base and untangling new growth and tying it to supports against the wall or fence. The man finally stops his kicking and he grabs me by my hair and slams me against the wall. She banged her head lightly against the wall and heard the ringing noise of metal. I can relate to that desire to light a wood fire and sleep against the ground and watch the stars and the coming light. The door was slammed hard against the wall, sending it rocking on its hinges. It is helpful here to perform the postures against a support such as a wall. To help keep the plant in check, it is best grown in a container and the stems trained against a support. Synonyms touching, in contact with, close up to, up against, abutting, on, adjacent to 4In conceptual contrast to. the benefits must be weighed against the costs Example sentencesExamples The benefits of overthrow must of course be weighed against the horrific costs of war. Businesses say the advantages of trading with Europe have to be weighed against the increased cost of red tape. This has to be weighed against the cost of redeeming early and the fees that often accompany taking out a new deal. But this long-term view has to be weighed against all the work that needs to be undertaken now. The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression. But the huge provision of liquidity by the Federal Reserve could weigh against the dollar. Vaccinations are expensive and costs must be weighed up against the risks involved. The benefits of this approach must be weighed against the morbidity of the procedure. Weighing against this are the potential inflation effects of the weak dollar. Having to make decisions can be stressful, because you have to weigh one option against another. The need to be met is not weighed against other needs in such a way as to order a phasing of the process. The doctor said the benefits of any radiotherapy had to be weighed against the risks of the treatment. The harm of ending an incipient life must be weighed against the consequences for society. The various institutions which affect opportunity must be weighed against each other. However, this must also be weighed up against the standard of medical care available. If you weigh that against good behaviour for the last year does that warrant releasing him into the public? Once again the advantages and disadvantages have to be weighed against each other. These considerations must be weighed against the harm to the man as a result of testing. Synonyms against, in opposition to, contrary to, at variance with, in defiance of, in contravention of, contrarily, contrariwise, conversely 4.1 In visual contrast to. he was silhouetted against the light of the stair window Example sentencesExamples With the cirrus they created a faint lattice of white against light blue. Black clouds obscure flashes of orange light against the night sky in the city. They said one firework looked like a traffic light but he could see none of the colours against the night sky. Behind us, a small silhouette against a light grey sky was the castle. It was silhouetted against the flames and it looked like a huge rocket. I set up behind a thick screen of rushes, staying low so that I wasn't silhouetted against the sky. Its benign silhouette squats against the southern sky like some fat Buddha. Eight mounted figures appeared on the other ridge, silhouetted against the sky. Gaze up at the horizon and see the silhouette of the fort against the night sky. Mai appeared at the door, silhouetted against the brighter light from the other room. Silhouetted against the afterglow, these fiercest of hawks formed an impressive picture. They were monolithic silhouettes against the summer night, sharing the fate of all buildings. All but one of the boilers remained in position, silhouetted against the green water and ambient light. We walked out of the station and I looked up at the city walls, silhouetted against the darkening evening sky. Others climbed high, silhouetted against the sky, before returning to the marsh. It was not quite dark and the lights looked really cool against the dark blue. Its silhouette against the sky is unique, the sound of its engine unmistakable. The little one stands at the entrance to the cave, her form black against the light of the full moon. The first thing we see on stage is the old lady in her rocking chair silhouetted against a window. The stern grey walls of the city were silhouetted against the flaming sky as the sun set. Synonyms in contrast to, as a foil to Phrases against one's wishes When one is unwilling or has refused. if any photos or information are included here against your wishes, please let me know and they will be removed immediately Example sentencesExamples Gladstone a suffragette prisoner was fed, against her wishes, whilst on hunger strike. He was removed from Broadmoor high security psychiatric hospital against his wishes. Jacqui Smith had clashed with Mr Johnson over the departure of Sir Ian, who was ousted against her wishes. Her father, a noble magistrate in Grenoble, sent her, against her wishes, to become a nun. Mrs Wilson said her brother will now be cremated, against her wishes. I am not aware of anyone being made redundant against their wishes. Women do not necessarily grow to love the man they marry against their wishes. Strangely enough, I had to leave my close comrades-in-arms behind or send them, against their wishes, to distant places. She henceforth found herself in the vehicle against her wishes. We would not accept the Vatican (or anyone else) reburying our dearest against their wishes. against the law (or rules) Illegal or unlawful. cockfighting has been against the law in South Carolina for 120 years it was against the rules to leave the dormitory after midnight Example sentencesExamples Using cruise control in Belgium is against the law. It's against the law for these children to be locked up. Craig's arrest was second-rate entrapment for something that shouldn't be against the law in the first place. The question now is whether it was against the law. High Court judge Mr Justice Burton ruled in April this year that IR35 was not against the law. Unauthorised racing on the road is already against the law. According to Help the Aged research, more than 80 % of us think age discrimination is already against the law. It may be against the common practice, not against the law. However, ethics aside, to force an employee to pay for a mistake, even one due to carelessness is against the law. To have a picture of the Dalai Lama is against the law. have something against someone Dislike or bear a grudge towards someone. I have nothing against you personally Example sentencesExamples I just wanted to tell her that I didn't have any grudges against her! She said: ‘I don't know anyone who would have a grudge against me and want to do this.’ I think it must be someone who wants us out of the area or has a grudge against us but we're not moving anywhere. But, just for the record, I really don't have any grudge against you, so don't take it personally. I can't think of anyone at all that has a grudge against us and I have no idea if it's the same person or different people each time. ‘Somebody obviously has a grudge against us,’ she said. It was just malicious damage, so it looks like somebody has a grudge against him. The chief engineer said: We don't know if the culprit has a grudge against us or whether it is simply vandalism. She was anxious that I should not have a grudge against the country, but I was already feeling quite at home. He told police in interviews that his victim could have been anybody and he had no grudge against the man. Origin Middle English: from again + -s (adverbial genitive) + -t probably by association with superlatives (as in amongst). Rhymes unfenced prep.1 phr. Definition of against in US English: against prepositionəˈɡenstəˈɡɛnst 1In opposition to. the fight against crime he decided against immediate publication swimming against the tide Example sentencesExamples Testing ourselves against opposition of this quality is one reason why we need to bounce back into the top flight. As has been said so many times before - in the fight against crime there can be no compromise. That's a very European idea, which needs to fight against a tough tide of facts for survival. It is vital in the fight against crime that the public is able to trust law enforcement officials. The sooner serious and public action is taken against organised crime, the better. The fight against burglary, anti-social behaviour and serious drug crime are at the top of our list. But he said they were an important weapon in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. He has fought against it in government, in opposition and within his own party. And he also credited the public as having played a major role in the fight against crime. People don't like to change their ways and all great change has come against opposition. Just why a public body should set itself up to start a fight against its own public is a mystery to me but they sure have a fight on their hands now! A town centre has been awarded safer shopping status in recognition of its fight against crime. Footage from existing cameras is already helping in the fight against crime. It is one of the various small ways in which the public can fight back against the people who are undermining their quality of life. News that technology is assisting the fight against crime has been welcomed. In opposition, we were against the privatisation of air traffic control, then did the opposite in power. In fact we have publicly challenged and argued against those of his ideas we disagree with. He said they were up against opposition from some people who were concerned at the damage done to the hillside. Many of the relays doing very well up against stiff opposition and bad weather. We also need the respect of the general public in the fight against crime and drugs. Synonyms opposed to, in opposition to, hostile to, averse to, antagonistic towards, inimical to, unsympathetic to, resistant to, at odds with, in disagreement with, contra 1.1 In opposition to, with reference to legal action. the first victim gave evidence against him allegations against police officers Example sentencesExamples We will not tolerate abuse of staff who are simply trying to do their job and we will take legal action against residents who do this. Arthur's legal action against the police, believed to be over pension rights, is continuing. He has no right to appeal against deportation but under a legal loophole can appeal against the destination. Pharmacy representatives have until Saturday May 7 to appeal against the decision. Unlike England, the poor had the right of legal appeal against the denial of relief. An appeal against the council's decision was turned down two months later. His lawyers have been instructed to begin legal action against the newspaper. But the objectors believe that the mobile phone company is to appeal against the decision. Those who ignore the zone can be reported to trading standards officers who might take legal action against them. He is considering legal action against the FBI and has discussed his case with a lawyer friend in Cape Town. There is no automatic appeal procedure against the adjudicator's decision. With no thought for their own safety, the women took a decision to give evidence against their tormentors in court. The employee should get a written explanation of this and must be told that he or she has the right to appeal against your decision. An officer cannot appeal against a decision for an allegation to be formally investigated. It was not the first time the company had appealed against a decision. However, that was refused and they did not appeal against the decision. A Home Office spokesman said today a decision had not yet been made on whether to appeal against the decision. It is understood there have been no threats of legal action against them from the victims' families. But the pub is appealing against the decision and is allowed to continue trading in the meantime. They held an urgent meeting last week to consider taking legal action against the police. 1.2 In opposition to, with reference to an athletic contest. the championship game against Virginia Example sentencesExamples The team won five matches and only dropped one game for the round against Navy in the lead up to the finals. But now all he wants to do is get home before the Whites big match against Manchester City this weekend. What I am concentrating on now is the first match against the world champions Germany. The remaining 17 games include matches against all the other sides in the bottom eight. In the last game against Brisbane he lacked match fitness and failed to make a contribution. United started well against Portsmouth and the game was over after 16 minutes. The match against Coleraine this Saturday gives him the perfect opportunity to do this. Their final contest will be against the loser of the final of each respective other table. His mother recalls watching that thrilling doubles match against the Israeli champions. Saturday's game against Altrincham was a tense affair with everyone knowing a win could clinch us the title. It is to these moments that the team would be looking tonight in this crucial game against Costa Rica. Five weeks of club games and disrupted training sessions prefaced their match against Limerick. It was the Czechs' seventh win in nine world championship games against its neighbor. I think after the England game we had gone into the match against Italy with a little trepidation. The team were very nervous in their opening matches against Israel and Portugal. Obviously injuries may be picked up in their Boxing Day game against Portsmouth, so keep one eye on that match. There is no doubt that the match against Italy in a fortnight's time is a huge game for us. Their whole season rests on a home contest against Bolton on Saturday April 17. I am optimistic that we have the tools to mount a reasonable contest against the midfield teams this year. We may have lost the match against Brazil but the game has helped to save the life of a local man. 2In anticipation of and preparation for (a problem or difficulty) insurance against sickness and unemployment Example sentencesExamples Claire gritted her teeth against the pain, a high, keen sound escaping her lips. Brushing at night is important as it protects teeth against acid attack while you are asleep. She clenched her teeth against the pain that flooded through her and tried to calm down. Artists may join a union from which they receive insurance against unemployment. It was my insurance against fate, and I had to make sure that nobody would take it away. The film shows how she and her mother battled against her learning difficulties. How could the government especially appear so defenseless against a direct attack? By the way, a large number of cyclists carry insurance against third party claims. Uranium was used to shield tanks against attack by conventional armour-piercing weapons. It is, for the time being, a great insurance against any terrorist attack. During the Second World War the defences were rescarped against tank attack. It covers your repayments against accident, sickness, involuntary unemployment. He closed his eyes and let his power surge through him, gritting his teeth against the torrent. They thus gave permission for them to take out insurance against damage suffered. Gritting his teeth against the agony, he slowly turned his head to look at Danny. In which case, would it not be prudent to take out some insurance against the event? Groaning and biting her teeth against the pain she pushed herself to her knees. Daniel gritted his teeth against the overwhelming sensations that were taking hold of him. He says his action has stalled because he will not go to court without insurance against the possibility of losing. Synonyms in case of, as provision for, in provision for, in preparation for, in anticipation of, in expectation of 2.1 In resistance to; as protection from. he turned up his collar against the wind Example sentencesExamples The roof of the cabin has been engineered to provide protection against head injuries in the event of a collision. How does she pick a male whose genetic complement confers protection against disease? Rounded towers and thick bulwarks provided maximum protection against the siege engines of that era. Well saved turf was the only protection the family had against cold and disease in winter. As to the protection against lightning, there is not much difference between the two. The best protection against loss, damage or injury due to wildfire is prevention. Currently, parents wanting protection against polio are offered oral vaccinations. Some people have a strong resistance against the flu virus, while it caused others to die. It says the crop residue holds soil in place and protects it against wind and rain. Protection against winter cold will give some plants in the garden a better chance of making it through to the spring. The only other protection against the elements was a 2ft high wall at the back of the shelter. Without protection of the sails against a merciless sun, it became unbearable on deck. He had a brown suede jacket with light brown denim pants, his collar was turned up against the wind. Vines are trained on low bushes as protection against the strong winds. Again the opportunity to identify the importance of protection against cold for survivors at sea was missed. Not only will they be unable to use parasols for protection against the sun, they will not be allowed to take in food or drink. The early poncho was worn by men of all classes as a garment for protection against the rain and cold. A curtain has been fixed at the eastern end of the shelter as a protection against the driving wind and rain. I've repotted my ornamental grass into a deeper pot, to give it better protection against drying out. The skin is constantly hydrated and has protection against line-producing dehydration. Synonyms to protect oneself from, in resistance to 2.2 In relation to (an amount of money owed or due) so as to reduce or cancel it. money was advanced against the value of the property Example sentencesExamples The family wanted to use the farmhouse against borrowing money to buy further farm land. Arrange an expensive short-term loan secured against these properties until they are sold. Invoice financing is similar to factoring, where banks lend against sales and money owed by debtors. That way co-buyers can choose to top up items which are almost ready to be bought, or start a new item with no money against it. Negative equity occurs when the loan secured against a property is greater than the value of the property itself. I have recently taken out a loan secured against my property, so am I going to regret it? Investors who plough money in these schemes can offset rental income against tax. Those loans will often be secured against the value of the property on which the advances are being made. The one major advantage property does have is that it's much easier to borrow money against it. Think long and hard about borrowing money against the roof over your head. Mortgage interest will be allowable against rental income and VAT is recoverable. In a recent article, we wrote about the dangers of borrowing money against your home. It has also been reported that some institutions may even lend against a work of art to buy more art! In the Eighties, tax breaks were offered against money invested in tree plantations. Your home may be at risk if you do not keep up payments on a mortgage or any other loan secured against it. Landlords can offset the interest they pay on their mortgage against rental income to reduce the amount of tax they pay. Furthermore, many clubs have borrowed money against future season ticket sales. This has resulted in massive volume growth in lending against rising asset values. Housing associations would be able to secure bank loans against the properties to carry out repairs. He must carry forward the unused part of his limit for set off against his income in the following year. 2.3 (in betting) in anticipation of the failure of. the odds were 5–1 against Pittsburgh Example sentencesExamples The crowd gasped again, and there was a happy cry from the one man who had bet against me. If they do win, it really will be a magnificent team performance but I would not bet against Wigan in this. Betting exchanges allow people to bet against each other person-to-person over the internet. This is not really a poker game, in that players do not bet against each other. He has already won 21 races and few would bet against that number increasing in the season to come. If they continue in this vein it will be a brave man who bets against them winning a fourth successive title. He did, truth to be told, bet against Liverpool but it was a wager we were happy to lose. This is because gold is not only seen as a hedge against the dollar, but as a financial bet against inflation too. While there will be even more chances to bet, the odds are against even more punters winning. If the player does not wish to bet against the second card, a third card can be called for at the same price. United will be very strong favourites to win this cup and a strong man would bet against them. Who would bet against Penrith not overtaking Aspatria next season as Cumbria's Number Two club? And who's betting against the team adding a new chapter to the story this weekend? Who would bet against him adding Olympic gold to his Tour de France crown. Byrd is favored but people have gone to the poor house betting against Evander Holyfield. Given the performance of semiconductor stocks in the past year, who wants to bet against him? Would anyone bet against Real Madrid reaching the latter stages if they were pitched into the World Cup? The former champion will be the runaway favourite for Le Tour again this year - and few would bet against him. From August the odds each month against winning the jackpot are 13 billion to one for each bond. I think there were people who bet against him yesterday who were cheering him past the post. 3In or into physical contact with (something), so as to be supported by or collide with it. she stood with her back against the door his lips brushed against her hair Example sentencesExamples She was grabbed by the hair, pushed against the wall and had her head banged several times by the accused. Neighbours then heard an argument, the sounds of somebody being pushed against a wall and banging doors. This is done by cutting off all fruited canes at the base and untangling new growth and tying it to supports against the wall or fence. There was another thump, and then something banged up against the door to her lab. The door was slammed hard against the wall, sending it rocking on its hinges. She put out a hand against the wall for support, and took several soothing breaths. It is helpful here to perform the postures against a support such as a wall. She slowly crawled over to the right of the door, leaned up against the wall, and brought her knees to her chest. To help keep the plant in check, it is best grown in a container and the stems trained against a support. It banged against the wall with a resounding thud that echoed through the ship. He said the man grabbed hold of him and banged his back against a low garden wall four or five times. In other incidents I have received bruises, a sprained thumb and had my head banged against a wall. I can relate to that desire to light a wood fire and sleep against the ground and watch the stars and the coming light. She banged her head lightly against the wall and heard the ringing noise of metal. The delegation heard that one inmate had complained that his head was repeatedly banged against a wall by an officer. After one last, warning crush, he let go, my frame slumping against the wall for support. The man finally stops his kicking and he grabs me by my hair and slams me against the wall. He held my head in his lap so I couldn't bang it against the wall, and he wrapped his arms around me and held me. Rocky almost knocked him out when he burst in the house, slamming the door against he wall. The police Sergeant said a man grabbed her by the hair and pinned her against the wall. Synonyms touching, in contact with, close up to, up against, abutting, on, adjacent to 4In conceptual contrast to. the benefits must be weighed against the costs the instilling of habits as against the development of understanding Example sentencesExamples The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression. These considerations must be weighed against the harm to the man as a result of testing. But this long-term view has to be weighed against all the work that needs to be undertaken now. The various institutions which affect opportunity must be weighed against each other. The harm of ending an incipient life must be weighed against the consequences for society. Businesses say the advantages of trading with Europe have to be weighed against the increased cost of red tape. Vaccinations are expensive and costs must be weighed up against the risks involved. The benefits of this approach must be weighed against the morbidity of the procedure. The benefits of overthrow must of course be weighed against the horrific costs of war. This has to be weighed against the cost of redeeming early and the fees that often accompany taking out a new deal. Having to make decisions can be stressful, because you have to weigh one option against another. But the huge provision of liquidity by the Federal Reserve could weigh against the dollar. If you weigh that against good behaviour for the last year does that warrant releasing him into the public? The need to be met is not weighed against other needs in such a way as to order a phasing of the process. However, this must also be weighed up against the standard of medical care available. The doctor said the benefits of any radiotherapy had to be weighed against the risks of the treatment. Weighing against this are the potential inflation effects of the weak dollar. Once again the advantages and disadvantages have to be weighed against each other. Synonyms against, in opposition to, contrary to, at variance with, in defiance of, in contravention of, contrarily, contrariwise, conversely 4.1 In visual contrast to. he was silhouetted against the light of the window Example sentencesExamples Its benign silhouette squats against the southern sky like some fat Buddha. Others climbed high, silhouetted against the sky, before returning to the marsh. We walked out of the station and I looked up at the city walls, silhouetted against the darkening evening sky. They were monolithic silhouettes against the summer night, sharing the fate of all buildings. Silhouetted against the afterglow, these fiercest of hawks formed an impressive picture. Black clouds obscure flashes of orange light against the night sky in the city. The first thing we see on stage is the old lady in her rocking chair silhouetted against a window. They said one firework looked like a traffic light but he could see none of the colours against the night sky. All but one of the boilers remained in position, silhouetted against the green water and ambient light. Eight mounted figures appeared on the other ridge, silhouetted against the sky. Its silhouette against the sky is unique, the sound of its engine unmistakable. Gaze up at the horizon and see the silhouette of the fort against the night sky. It was silhouetted against the flames and it looked like a huge rocket. I set up behind a thick screen of rushes, staying low so that I wasn't silhouetted against the sky. Behind us, a small silhouette against a light grey sky was the castle. The stern grey walls of the city were silhouetted against the flaming sky as the sun set. With the cirrus they created a faint lattice of white against light blue. It was not quite dark and the lights looked really cool against the dark blue. The little one stands at the entrance to the cave, her form black against the light of the full moon. Mai appeared at the door, silhouetted against the brighter light from the other room. Synonyms in contrast to, as a foil to Phrases have something against someone Dislike or bear a grudge against someone. I have nothing against you personally Example sentencesExamples ‘Somebody obviously has a grudge against us,’ she said. But, just for the record, I really don't have any grudge against you, so don't take it personally. I just wanted to tell her that I didn't have any grudges against her! I think it must be someone who wants us out of the area or has a grudge against us but we're not moving anywhere. I can't think of anyone at all that has a grudge against us and I have no idea if it's the same person or different people each time. It was just malicious damage, so it looks like somebody has a grudge against him. She was anxious that I should not have a grudge against the country, but I was already feeling quite at home. He told police in interviews that his victim could have been anybody and he had no grudge against the man. She said: ‘I don't know anyone who would have a grudge against me and want to do this.’ The chief engineer said: We don't know if the culprit has a grudge against us or whether it is simply vandalism. Origin Middle English: from again + -s (adverbial genitive) + -t probably by association with superlatives (as in amongst). prep.1 phr.
随便看	be given the credit for be given the gate be given to understand be given with the rations be giving up the ghost be glad be glad about be gloomy be glorified be glued be glued to be glued to begob beg off beg off be going to answer for something be going to be be going to be/do something be going to be/do something be going to be punished be going to be something be going to be sth be going to do be going to do something be going to do sth