preposition
against
uh-GENST/əˈɡenst/
In resistance or opposition to something.
Each player pulls against the other's force in the tug-of-war.
Etymology
On and gegn formed a word meaning both “toward” and “opposite, contrary to.” Against preserves its opposition sense, whereas the related again became associated chiefly with return and repetition.
In context
you’re against patents, but you’re a patent lawyer. I don’t know what this argument is supposed to mean. First of all, it’s personal. It’s directed against me, Stephan Kinsella, as a person.
More examples
- She voted against the proposal to close the library.
- The policy protects our belongings against theft.
- We played against the strongest team in the league.
Similar words
- opposing
- Describes actively resisting a person, force, or proposal.
- counter to
- Emphasizes conflict with a rule, direction, or expectation.