Meaning of against

a•gainst

Pronunciation: (u-genst', u-gānst'), [key]

— prep.

in opposition to; contrary to; adverse or hostile to: twenty votes against ten; against reason.
in resistance to or defense from: protection against burglars.
in an opposite direction to: to ride against the wind.
into contact or collision with; toward; upon: The rain beat against the window.
in contact with: to lean against the wall.
in preparation for; in provision for: money saved against a rainy day.
having as background: a design of flowers against a dark wall.
in exchange for; as a balance to or debit or charge on: He asked for an advance against his salary.
in competition with: a racehorse running against his own record time.
in comparison or contrast with: a matter of reason as against emotion.
beside; near; before: The car is against the building.
in contrast with: the rich over against the poor.

—conj.