1 C1 formal
To deliver a legal verdict or judgment that is unfavorable to someone.
"The court gave against the defendant on all three counts."
inseparable
give against
C1 formal inseparable transitive
A legal or archaic expression meaning to deliver a judgment or verdict unfavorable to a particular party.
In plain English
When a judge decides that someone loses the case.
What does "give against" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Primarily found in legal contexts and older texts. Rarely used in modern spoken English. Modern legal language prefers 'rule against' or 'find against.' ESL learners may encounter this in historical legal documents.
Words that pair with "give against"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
judgment verdict decision ruling defendant claimant
How to conjugate "give against"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
give against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gives against
he/she/it
Past simple
gave against
yesterday
Past participle
given against
have + pp
-ing form
giving against
continuous
Hear "give against" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "give against" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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