against */*/*/

UK [əˈɡenst] / US preposition

1) in opposition to someone/something

a) used for stating which plan, idea, or action someone opposes and thinks is wrong

Amnesty International has campaigned publicly against the death penalty.

I'm against all forms of censorship.

b) used for stating who or what you are trying to defeat in a game, race, or fight

England's World Cup game against Argentina

The king's son died in battle, fighting against the Persians.

the fight against drugs in our city's schools

2) directed towards or affecting someone/something in a negative way

a) used for stating who is harmed or affected by something

The dictator is charged with crimes against humanity.

Police are investigating death threats made against a prosecution witness.

illegal discrimination against homosexuals

count against (= cause someone to have a disadvantage):

He's over 40, so his age may count against him.

b) used for stating who someone dislikes or feels angry towards

There was growing resentment among the people against their foreign rulers.

turn against (= become unfriendly towards someone):

Louis turned against his former ally, and withdrew his support.

c) used for saying who is accused of doing something wrong

accusation/charge/allegation against someone:

Accusations of bribery had been made against the vice-president.

Police are expected to bring criminal charges against Warren.

3) touching or hitting someone/something

a) touching or hitting the surface of something

He leaned over and his lips brushed against her hair.

I fell heavily against the bookshelves.

b) very close to and touching something, especially so that it is used as a support

We left Ron's bicycle propped against a tree.

4) not allowing something if there is a law against doing something, it is illegal

The state has a law against cruelty to animals.

5) providing protection from something used for stating what is causing harm or affecting someone or something

The plants must be protected against frost until late spring.

All the children have been vaccinated against diseases such as polio.

6) in the opposite direction if someone or something moves against the wind, the current etc, they face it and move in the opposite direction

We were sailing against a strong easterly wind.

7) with a background behind if something appears against a background, it is seen with the background behind it

The dark ruins of the castle stood out against the evening sky.

8) in comparison with something used for comparing one thing or amount with another

This year's profits amounted to only £35 million, against £52 million last year.

as against:

Why is there a preference for the American system as against the British?

•

against the law/rules — not allowed by the law/rules

It is against the law to park here overnight.

against someone's wishes/advice — if someone does something against your wishes/advice, they do it even though you do not want them to do it/advise them not to do it

She took the two children away against her husband's wishes.

Against the advice of his doctor, Maynard insisted on taking part.

have something against someone/something — to dislike or not approve of someone or something for a particular reason

I think he's got something against artists.

have nothing against someone/something (= have no reason to dislike someone or something):

I have nothing against Tom personally.

measure/judge etc someone/something against someone/something — to compare someone or something with someone or something else

We measure our achievements against the highest standards.

- against your will