prep., adv., & n.
--prep.
1. a in, towards, or to the rear of. b on the further side of (behind the bush). c hidden by (something behind that remark).
2 a in the past in relation to (trouble is behind me now). b late in relation to (behind schedule).
3 inferior to; weaker than (rather behind the others in his maths).
4 a in support of (she's right behind us). b responsible for; giving rise to (the man behind the project; the reasons behind his resignation).
5 in the tracks of; following.
--adv.
1. a in or to or towards the rear; further back (the street behind; glance behind). b on the further side (a high wall with a field behind).
2 remaining after departure (leave behind; stay behind).
3 (usu. foll. by with) a in arrears (behind with the rent). b late in accomplishing a task etc. (working too slowly and getting behind).
4 in a weak position; backward (behind in Latin).
5 following (his dog running behind).
--n.
1. colloq. the buttocks.
2 (in Australian Rules) a kick etc. scoring one point.
Phrases and idioms:
behind a person's back without a person's knowledge. behind the scenes see SCENE. behind time late. behind the times antiquated. come from behind win after lagging. fall (or lag) behind not keep up. put behind one 1 refuse to consider.
2 get over (an unhappy experience etc.).
Etymology: OE behindan, bihindan f. bi BY + hindan from behind, hinder below