preposition
against
In contact with a surface.
He leans the ladder against the side of the house.
Etymology
Old English ongēan could mean opposite or facing. In this physical use, something is positioned up to another object, so the two meet at a surface.
More examples
- The rain beats against the window.
- Press the cloth against the cut.
- She rested against the wall.
Forms
against
Similar words
- touching
- Explicitly describes contact without implying pressure.