# gang up against

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gang-up-against
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to join together with other people to attack or criticize someone.

For teachers: to form a group or alliance for the purpose of opposing, intimidating, or attacking a specific target; implies an unfair advantage due to numbers.

## Examples

- The older kids always gang up against him on the playground.
- The smaller companies decided to gang up against the industry giant to protect their market share.
- During the debate, several minor candidates appeared to gang up against the frontrunner, relentlessly questioning his previous policy decisions.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They ganged up against to me." but "They ganged up against me." — do not add 'to' after 'against'; the preposition 'against' already connects the verb to the object.

## Usage notes

- usually carries a negative connotation of unfairness or bullying.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'gang up on', which is more common in American English; both versions imply a group-versus-individual dynamic.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.