against Meaning, Definition & Usage

A*gainst" preposition

Etymology

OE. agens, ageynes, AS. ongegn. The s is adverbial, orig. a genitive ending. See Again.

Definitions

1. Abreast; opposite to; facing; towards; as, against the mouth of a river; -- in this sense often preceded by over.

   Jacob saw the angels of God come against him. Tyndale.

2. From an opposite direction so as to strike or come in contact with; in contact with; upon; as, hail beats against the roof.
3. In opposition to, whether the opposition is of sentiment or of action; on the other side; counter to; in contrariety to; hence, adverse to; as, against reason; against law; to run a race against time.

   The gate would have been shut against her. Fielding.

   An argument against the use of steam. Tyndale.

4. By of before the time that; in preparation for; so as to be ready for the time when. Archaic or Dial.

   Urijah the priest made it, against King Ahaz came from Damascus. 2 Kings xvi. 11.