ver·sus \ˈvərsəs, ˈvə̄s-, ˈvəis-, -səz\preposition Etymology: Latin, towards, from versus, past participle of vertere to turn 1.: against < John Doe versus Richard Roe > < the varsity versus the scrubs > < the champion versus the challenger > 2.: in contrast to or as the alternative of < free trade versus protection > — abbr. v, vs