against
∞
1.0
- adposition
- /əˈɡɛnst/
:
contra
- The team took extra precautions to guard against potential hazards during the renovation.
- protect against
- a defense against
- protection against
We need to be on guard against these more subtle tricks.
- We need to be on guard against these more subtle tricks.
- And in fact, The Who has recommended against its use for treatment.
- Your immune system is protecting you against infectious disease.
- It can feel like you are fighting against this believability factor.
- But you still want to protect the public against core social goods.
Examples
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Morality had to be brought to bear against this system.
-
She advised him against making a hasty decision without thinking it through.
-
But you still want to protect the public against core social goods.
-
Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
-
And in fact, The Who has recommended against its use for treatment.
-
We need to be on guard against these more subtle tricks.
-
They'd also make great insulation against an enemy attack.
-
The constitutional purpose of the state militia was to provide local defense against invasion or insurrection.
Academic text (2011) -
All travelers to endemic areas should be advised against consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.
Academic text (2011) -
The new law was enacted to protect citizens against identity theft.
Idioms
- Informal
8
7.4
To do something very different from what most people expect or usually do
- Informal
8
4.5
A situation where people must finish something quickly before it is too late
1
8.2
To try many times to do something without success and feel frustrated
- Archaic
To resist authority in a way that is useless and makes things worse
Trying very hard even when facing a much stronger opponent
To move forward despite strong opposition or many difficulties
- Informal
To try to make something happen when it is already easy or people already agree
Carefully compare the good and bad points before you decide
Compounds
26
7.7
Very serious crimes that harm many people, for example murder, slavery or torture
- Specialized
1
8.5
The right to refuse to answer questions that could make you look guilty in court
A terrorist group started by Osama bin Laden in 1998 to unite armed Islamist groups in different countries
- Formal
Rules that stop people at work from having close personal or romantic relationships
A South African group formed in 1996 to fight gangs and drugs, later accused of violent acts and extremism
Surface Forms
Etymology
Against comes from old parts on- and gegn, which could mean 'on the opposite side' or 'touching'. From that image of something touching or placed next to another thing, against also came to mean 'for protection from', like holding a coat or shield up against the cold or wind.