əˈɡenst prep. 1 in
opposition to (fight against
the invaders; am against
hanging;
arson is against the law). 2
into collision or in
contact with (ran against a rock; lean against the
wall; up against a problem). 3 to the
disadvantage of (his
age is against him). 4 in
contrast to (against a
dark background; 99 as against 102 yesterday). 5 in
anticipation of or
preparation for (against
his coming; against a
rainy day; protected against the
cold; warned against pickpockets). 6 as a compensating
factor to (income against expenditure). 7 in
return for (issued against
payment of the fee). øagainst the clock see
CLOCK(1) 3. against the
grain see GRAIN. against
time see TIME. [ME ayenes etc. f. ayen
AGAIN + -t as in amongst: see AMONG]