Adversus (adversum)

Preposition used with Accusative only.
The circumflected accents are used to mark the vowels' length.

Non figurative usage

Space: against, towards, in presence of

• Romani adversus hostes exeunt.

The Romans are coming out against the enemies.

Figurative usage

Reference: opposite, contrary to, towards

• adversus leges  contrary to the laws
• reverentia adversus homines  respect towards the people