prep. expressing: 1 an instrument or means used (cut with a knife; can walk with assistance). 2 association or company (lives with his mother; works with Shell; lamb with mint sauce). 3 cause or origin (shiver with fear; in bed with measles). 4 possession, attribution (the man with dark hair; a vase with handles). 5 circumstances; accompanying conditions (sleep with the window open; a holiday with all expenses paid). 6 manner adopted or displayed (behaved with dignity; spoke with vehemence; handle with care; won with ease). 7 agreement or harmony (sympathize with; I believe with you that it can be done). 8 disagreement, antagonism, competition (incompatible with; stop arguing with me). 9 responsibility or care for (the decision rests with you; leave the child with me). 10 material (made with gold). 11 addition or supply; possession of as a material, attribute, circumstance, etc. (fill it with water; threaten with dismissal; decorate with holly). 12 reference or regard (be patient with them; how are things with you?; what do you want with me?; there's nothing wrong with expressing one's opinion). 13 relation or causative association (changes with the weather; keeps pace with the cost of living). 14 an accepted circumstance or consideration (with all your faults, we like you). away (or in or out etc.) with (as int.) take, send, or put (a person or thing) away, in, out, etc. be with a person 1 agree with and support a person. 2 colloq. follow a person's meaning (are you with me?). one with part of the same whole as. with child (or young) literary pregnant. with it colloq. 1 up to date; conversant with modern ideas etc. 2 alert and comprehending. with-it adj. colloq. (of clothes etc.) fashionable. with that thereupon.
[ OE, prob. shortened f. a Gmc prep. corresp. to OE wither, OHG widar against ]