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run against

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run against someone

to compete against someone for elective office. Eisenhower ran against Adlai Stevenson in 1952. Not many people run against an incumbent.

See also: run

run against

1. Also, run up against or run into. Encounter something, especially a difficulty, unexpectedly. For example, We didn't know we'd run up against so much opposition, or He ran into trouble with his taxes. [Late 1300s]

2. Work against, as in Public sentiment ran against her. [Late 1300s]

3. Oppose for elective office, as in Susan decided to run against a very popular incumbent. This usage is a figurative application of running in a footrace. [First half of 1800s]

See also: run

run against

v.

1. To work against something or someone; oppose something or someone: The company's policies are running against public opinion.

2. To compete with someone for an elected position: I plan to run against my old rival in the election.

3. To encounter some unexpected obstacle: The contractor ran against some difficulties in trying to complete the project.

See also: run