against
/əˈɡeɪnst/ · a·gainst
preposition
- In a contrary direction to. It is hard work to swim against the current.
- In physical opposition to; in collision with. The rain pounds against the window.
- In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by. The kennel was put against the back wall.
conjunction
- By the time that (something happened); before. By the time I arrived, they had already left.
Did you know? The word 'against' is often used in sports, particularly in tennis, where players compete against each other in a match.