go against

To do something that breaks a rule, law, or agreement.

• That goes against the rules.
• He went against the terms of our agreement.
• Would this change go against the law?

How to use it: go against something (Her actions went against company policy.)

Similar words: break, violate, breach

Opposites: obey, follow

Common phrases: go against the rules, go against an agreement

To be different from or in conflict with a belief, feeling, principle, or general trend.

• That goes against my beliefs.
• She went against her instincts and trusted him.
• These results go against the usual trend.

How to use it: go against something (This decision goes against my principles.)

Similar words: conflict with, contradict, run counter to

Opposites: accord with

Common phrases: go against my instincts, go against a trend, go against someone’s principles

To have a result or effect that harms someone’s chances of success.

• The vote went against us.
• That evidence could go against her in court.
• Several important decisions have gone against the team this season.

How to use it: go against someone (The court’s decision went against us.)

Similar words: count against, work against

Opposites: favor

Common phrases: go against someone, go against our interests

To oppose someone or refuse to support what they want.

• Nobody dared go against the king.
• She went against her boss and supported the workers.
• Would you go against your family to marry him?

How to use it: go against someone/something (He refused to go against his parents’ wishes.)

Similar words: oppose, resist, defy

Opposites: support

Common phrases: go against someone, go against someone’s wishes