Definition of: before

(bi·fôr′, -fōr′) adverb
1. In front; ahead.
2. Preceding in time; previously.
3. Earlier; sooner.
—prep.
1. In front of; ahead of.
2. Face to face with; in the presence of: The prisoner stood before the court.
3. Prior to, in time; earlier or sooner than.
4. In advance of, as in rank, development, or attainment.
5. Demanding the attention of: The bill is before the senate.
6. In the cognizance or power of: Before God, I swear it.
7. Driven in front of; moved by: The ship sailed before the wind.
—conj.
1. Previous to the time when; sooner than.
2. In preference to; rather than: They will die before yielding. [OE beforan in front of]