Meaning

• In a contrary direction to.

  "It is hard work to swim against the current."

• In physical opposition to; in collision with.

  "The rain pounds against the window."

• In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.

  "The kennel was put against the back wall."

• Close to, alongside.

  "A row of trees stood against a fence."

• In front of; before (a background).

  "The giant was silhouetted against the door."

• In contrast or comparison with.

  "He stands out against his classmates."

• In competition with, versus.

  "The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend."

• Contrary to; in conflict with.

  "Doing this is against my principles."

• In opposition to.

  "Are you against freedom of choice?"

• Of betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance.

  "That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning."

• In exchange for.

  "The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks."

• As counterbalance to.

• As a charge on.

  "Tax is levied against income from sales."

• As protection from.

  "He turned the umbrella against the wind."

• In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).

  "The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need."

• (Hollywood) To be paid now in contrast to the following amount to be paid later under specified circumstances, usually that a movie is made or has started filming.

  "The studio weren't sure the movie would ever get made, so they only paid $50,000 against $200,000. That way they wouldn't be out very much if filming never began."

• Exposed to.

Meaning

• By the time that (something happened); before.