Main Entry: an·tag·o·nism

Pronunciation: \an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm\

Function: noun

Date: 1835

1 a : opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle <the antagonism of democracy to dictatorship> b : actively expressed opposition or hostility <antagonism between factions>
2 : opposition in physiological action; especially : interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened

synonyms see enmity