Definition/Meaning of against

• English - Preposition: against ( heading , physical ) A close but separated relationship . In a contrary direction to . If you swim against the current , you must work harder . Close to . The kennel was put against the back wall . In front of; before a background . The giant was silhouetted against the door . In physical contact with . The puppy rested its head against a paw . In physical opposition to , or in…
• English - Conjunction: against ( obsolete ) By the time that (something happened); before . 1590 , Edmund Spenser , The Faerie Queene , II .ix: Thence she them brought into a stately Hall , / Wherein were many tables faire dispred, / And ready dight with drapets festiuall, / Against the viaundes should be ministred. 1749 , Henry Fielding , Tom Jones , Folio Society 1973, p . 6: He now gave Mrs Deborah positive orders…
• English - Adverb: against ( comparative more against , superlative most against ) In opposition to something . Are you for the new ring road? No , I'm against . ( gambling ) Having a specified likelihood of not winning or happening . The second favourite won the race at odds of two to one against .
• English - Alternative forms: againest ( obsolete ) , agaynst ( obsolete ) , agaynest ( obsolete ) agenst ( obsolete ) , agenest ( obsolete ) , ageinst ( obsolete ) , ageinest ( obsolete , rare ) , ageynst ( obsolete ) , ageynest ( obsolete , rare ) , agin ( colloquial or humorous )
• English - Etymology: Formed from Middle English agenes , againes ( “ in opposition to ” ), a southern variant of agen , or directly from again , either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es ; the parasitic -t was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est . Surface analysis again +‎ -st ( “ (excrescence) ” ).