prep
against
uh-GEHNST
prep
1
In opposition to; contrary to.
"She voted against the proposal."
"It's against the rules to park here."
2
In physical contact with, touching and typically supported by.
"He leaned the ladder against the wall."
"Rain beat against the window."
3
In competition with; versus.
"The home team played against their rivals."
"It's us against the clock now."
4
As protection from, or in preparation for.
"They saved money against a rainy day."
"Vaccines protect against the disease."
How to Use Against
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOpposed to, touching, or in preparation for something.
Common pairings
against the law
lean against
against all odds
protect against
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She voted _____ the proposal.
Etymology
From Middle English ayenes/agenes, a form of "again" with an adverbial ending; the final "t" was added around the 14th century by analogy with superlative endings like "-est."