Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition against in American English

against preposition

preposition
/əˈɡenst/
1

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

1.1

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

Example

Amnesty International has campaigned publicly against the death penalty.

Example

I'm against all forms of censorship.

Synonyms and related words
opposed opposing hostile
1.2

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

Example

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

Example

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

Example

the fight against drugs in our city's schools

Synonyms and related words
against by a neck clear
2

touching or hitting the surface of something

2.1

touching or hitting the surface of something

Example

He leaned over and his lips brushed against her hair.

Example

I fell heavily against the bookshelves.

Synonyms and related words
next to near close
2.2

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

Example

We left Ron's bicycle propped against a tree.

Synonyms and related words
next to near close
3

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

Example

The state has a law against cruelty to animals.

Synonyms and related words
illegal unlawful shady
4

used for stating who is harmed or affected by something

4.1

used for stating who is harmed or affected by something

Example

The dictator is charged with crimes against humanity.

Example

Police are investigating death threats made against a prosecution witness.

Example

illegal discrimination against minority employees

Example

He's over 40, so his age may count against him.

Synonyms and related words
aboard against amid
4.2

used for stating who someone dislikes or feels angry toward

Example

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

Example

Louis turned against his former ally, and withdrew his support.

Synonyms and related words
aboard against amid
4.3

used for saying who is accused of doing something wrong

Example

Accusations of bribery had been made against the vice president.

Example

Police are expected to bring criminal charges against Warren.

5

used for stating what is causing harm or affecting someone or something

Example

The plants must be protected against frost until late spring.

Example

All the children have been vaccinated against diseases such as polio.

Synonyms and related words
aboard against amid
6

used for comparing one thing or amount with another

Example

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

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
than relatively whereas
7

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

Example

We were sailing against a strong easterly wind.

Synonyms and related words
away backward around
8

if something appears against a background, it is seen with the background behind it

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
behind in front rear
Definition against in American English

Related Words

Words related to against:

a crime against humanity (phrase) a hedge against something (phrase) a race against time (phrase) against (preposition) against someone’s better judgment (phrase) against someone’s (phrase) against the clock (phrase) against the (phrase) against time (phrase) against your will (phrase) arrayed against (phrase) be stacked against you (phrase) bring up against (phrasal verb) bump up against (phrasal verb) check against (phrasal verb) come up against (phrasal verb) count against (phrasal verb) (dead) set against something (phrase) decide against (phrasal verb) declare against (phrasal verb) go against (phrasal verb) go against the grain (phrase) guard against (phrasal verb) have something against (phrase) have/have got against (phrasal verb) hold against (phrasal verb) hope against hope (phrase) inform on (phrasal verb) insure against (phrasal verb) like your head against a brick wall (phrase) someone/something against someone/something (phrase) not hear a word (said) against (phrase) against (phrase) over against (phrase) pit against (phrasal verb) pit your wits against (phrase) pitch against (phrasal verb) play both ends (against the middle) (phrase) play off against (phrasal verb) prefer charges (against someone) (phrase) press charges (against someone) (phrase) proceed against (phrasal verb) provide against (phrasal verb) race against time (phrase) range yourself with/against someone (phrase) react against (phrasal verb) etc. a (brick) wall (phrase) run up against (phrasal verb) seen against something (phrase) set against (phrasal verb) set off against (phrasal verb) set your face against something (phrase) stand against (phrasal verb) stand out against (phrasal verb) stump for/against (phrasal verb) swim the tide (phrase) take against (phrasal verb) the cards are stacked against someone (phrase) the are stacked against you (phrase) the dice are loaded against someone (phrase) turn against (phrasal verb) up against something (phrase)