against

preposition

1 opposed to or disagreeing with an idea, belief, proposal etc: votes for and against the motion | It's against my principles to borrow money. | Several members spoke against the proposal. | be against sth: I'm against all forms of hunting. | against sb's wishes (=when you know someone does not want something to happen): They got married against her wishes. | against sb's will (=when someone is forced to do something): She has been kept in the house against her will. | against the law (=illegal)

-see graph at opposed

2 fighting or competing with another person, team, country etc: He was injured in the game against the Cowboys. | We'll be competing against some of the best companies in Europe. | the fight against terrorism

3 in a way that has an unfavourable effect on someone or causes them disadvantage: discrimination against women | Your lack of experience could count against you. | The planning regulations tend to work against smaller companies.

4 touching, hitting, or rubbing another surface: The rain drummed against the window. | I like it when the cat rubs its head against my legs. | The car skidded and we could hear the crunch of metal against metal.

5 next to and touching an upright surface, especially for support: There was a ladder propped up against the wall. | The younger policeman was leaning against the bureau with his arms folded.

6 in the opposite direction to: sailing against the wind | swimming against the current

7 seen or shown with something else behind or as a background: He caught a glimpse of a man silhouetted against a dimly lit background. | knowing what colours look good against your skin

8 used to describe something in relation to other events that are happening at the same time: The reforms were introduced against a background of social unrest.

9 in comparison with: Only 3% of blacks were registered voters against 97% of the white residents. | She checked the contents of the box against the list.

10 providing protection from harm or damage: insurance against accident and sickness | This spray can be used against weevil and other crop pests.

11 be/come up against sth to have to deal with a difficult opponent or problem: You see, this is what we're up against - the suppliers just aren't reliable.

12 have sth against sb/sth to dislike or disapprove of someone or something: It's not that I have anything against babies. I just don't feel very comfortable with them.