Against (song) definition

Etymology

Formed from agenes, againes "in opposition to", a southern variant of agen, or directly from , eitherway with adverbial genitive singular ending ; the parasitic -t was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending .

Preposition

In a contrary direction to.

If you swim against the current, you must work harder.
Close to.
In front of; before a background.

The giant was silhouetted against the door.
In physical contact with.

The puppy rested its head against a paw.
In physical opposition to, or in collision with.

The rain pounds against the window.
In contrast and/or comparison with

He stands out against his local classmates
In competition with.

The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend.
In exchange for
As counterbalance to
As a charge on
As protection from.

He turned the umbrella against the wind.
{obsolete}} Exposed to

Conjunction

against

By the time that (something happened); before.
- 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society 1973, p. 6:
  
  He now gave Mrs Deborah positive orders to take the child to her own bed, and to call up a maid-servant to provide it pap, and other things, against it waked.