/
əˈgɛnst,
əˈgeɪnst/
prep.
- in opposition to.
▸in resistance to.
- in anticipation of and preparation for (a difficulty).
▸(in betting) in anticipation of the failure of:
the odds were 5–1 against England.
- in relation to (money owed, due, or lent) so as to reduce, cancel, or secure it.
- in or into contact with.
- in contrast to.
Phrase
- have something against
dislike or bear a grudge against.
Etymology
ME: from again + -s (adverbial genitive) + -t, prob. by assoc. with superlatives (as in amongst).