against

preposition
a·gainst
/əˈɡɛ̟nst/

In a contrary direction to.

Example

“It is hard work to swim against the current.”

Other meanings

In physical opposition to; in collision with.
“The rain pounds against the window.”
In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.
“The ladder was leaning against the wall.”

Antonyms

with

Example sentences

“I'm pretty sure that's against the law.”
Tatoeba · ddnktr · CC0
“They love to go against the grain.”
Tatoeba · shekitten · CC0
“Her fingers brushed against his hand.”
Tatoeba · Igider · CC0

Word history

From Middle English "ayenes".

Where this comes from

This definition is adapted from “against” on Wiktionary, by its contributors; example sentences are from Tatoeba, credited to their authors above, published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.