against
/əˈɡɛnst/ preposition A2- 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 ladder was leaning against the wall.· The puppy rested its head against a paw.
- Close to, alongside. · A row of trees stood against a fence.
- In front of; before (a background). · The giant was silhouetted against the door.
- In contrast or comparison with. · He stands out against his classmates.· This report sets out the risks against the benefits.
- In competition with, versus. · The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.
- Contrary to; in conflict with. · Doing this is against my principles.· It is against the law to smoke on these premises.
From the library
“Why, that is the very worst offence they could possibly commit; for, don’t you see, Renée, the king is the father of his people, and he who shall plot or contrive aught against the life and safety of the parent of thirty-two millions of souls, is a parricide upon a fearfully great scale?”
If you mean as responsible agent when you ask me the question, I believe there is nothing to say against him, and that you will be content with the way in which he has performed his duty.”
It was worth while, truly,” added the young man with a melancholy smile, “to make war against the English for ten years, and to die in his bed at last, like everybody else.”
At this moment Danglars, who had been incessantly observing every change in Fernand’s look and manner, saw him stagger and fall back, with an almost convulsive spasm, against a seat placed near one of the open windows.
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