The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

antagonism

IPA:

Dictionary definition of antagonism

A state or quality of being actively opposed or hostile towards someone or something.
"The political debate was marked by intense antagonism between the candidates."

Detailed meaning of antagonism

It suggests a strong sense of animosity, conflict, or enmity between individuals, groups, or entities. Secondly, "antagonism" can denote the existence of conflicting interests, opinions, or ideologies that lead to a contentious or confrontational relationship. It implies a clash of ideas or beliefs that generate tension or discord. Additionally, "antagonism" can refer to the physiological or biochemical response in the body when certain substances or agents act against each other. In this context, it signifies a counteractive or inhibitory effect between chemical compounds or physiological processes. Overall, "antagonism" captures the notions of opposition, hostility, conflict, and counteraction across interpersonal, ideological, and physiological domains.

Example sentences containing antagonism

1. The political debate was marked by intense antagonism.
2. Antagonism between the rival teams was palpable.
3. Their long-standing antagonism finally erupted into conflict.
4. Antagonism can hinder progress in collaborative projects.
5. The novel explores the theme of human antagonism.
6. Mutual antagonism led to a breakdown in communication.

History and etymology of antagonism

The noun 'antagonism' has its etymological roots in the Greek word 'antagonismos,' which is derived from 'antagonizesthai,' combining 'anti-' (meaning 'against') and 'agonizesthai' (meaning 'to contend' or 'to struggle'). In this sense, 'antagonism' etymologically signifies a state of actively opposing or contending against someone or something, often with a sense of hostility or opposition. The term highlights the idea of conflict and opposition, where two forces or entities are locked in struggle, reflecting the competitive or hostile nature inherent in antagonism.

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Further usage examples of antagonism

1. He felt a deep sense of antagonism toward his rival.
2. The workplace was poisoned by constant antagonism.
3. Antagonism between nations can have dire consequences.
4. Sibling rivalry often results in subtle antagonism.
5. The antagonism between the two leaders was evident.
6. The antagonism in the room was stifling.
7. Diplomacy aims to reduce international antagonism.
8. The antagonism between the characters fueled the plot.
9. Her antagonism towards authority figures was well-known.
10. Overcoming antagonism requires open dialogue.
11. The media reported on the escalating antagonism.
12. The speech was marked by veiled antagonism.
13. Antagonism can arise from misunderstandings.
14. Resolving antagonism is essential for harmony.
15. There was a deep sense of antagonism between the rival gangs.
16. The siblings displayed constant antagonism towards each other, often arguing and disagreeing.
17. The teacher tried to minimize antagonism among the students by encouraging cooperation.
18. The antagonism between the two nations resulted in a long-standing conflict.
19. The manager's authoritarian leadership style created an atmosphere of antagonism in the workplace.
20. The film portrays the antagonism between the protagonist and the antagonist.
21. The opposing teams met on the field with a fierce antagonism evident in their gameplay.
22. The antagonism between the two companies intensified as they competed for market dominance.
23. The speaker faced a room filled with antagonism, as the audience strongly disagreed with their views.
24. The doctor prescribed medication to reduce the antagonism between certain chemicals in the patient's body.
25. The CEO's decision to downsize the company sparked antagonism among the employees, leading to protests and strikes.