AGAINST

I. preposition Etymology: Middle English, alteration of againes, from again Date: 13th century 1. in opposition or hostility to , contrary to , in competition with , as a basis for disapproval of , 2. directly opposite ; facing , exposed to, compared or contrasted with , 4. in preparation or provision for , as a defense or protection from , 5. in the direction of and into contact with , in contact with , in a direction opposite to the motion or course of ; counter to , 7. as a counterbalance to , in exchange for , as a charge on , before the background of , II. conjunction Date: 14th century in preparation for the time when