against

a•gainst

[[t]əˈgɛnst, əˈgeɪnst[/t]] prep.

1) in opposition to; contrary to:

twenty votes against ten[/ex]

2) in resistance to or defense from:

protection against mosquitos[/ex]

3) in an opposite direction to:

walking against the wind[/ex]

4) in or into contact with; upon:

The rain beat against the window. Don't lean against the door[/ex]

5) in preparation for:

money saved against a rainy day[/ex]

6) having as background:

a design of flowers against a dark wall[/ex]

7) bus as a charge or debit on:

an advance against one's salary[/ex]

8) in competition with:

a racehorse running against his own record time[/ex]

9) in contrast with:

reason as against emotion[/ex]

10) fun archaic before; by the time that

•

- over against

Etymology: 1125–75; ME agens, ageynes=ageyn again+-es -s I; for -t cf. whilst, amongst