antagonism

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noun an·tag·o·nism \an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm\

Definition of antagonism

1a : opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle the antagonism of democracy to dictatorshipb : actively expressed opposition or hostility antagonism between factions personal antagonism
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

See antagonism defined for English-language learners

See antagonism defined for kids

Examples of antagonism in a Sentence

The region has a long history of ethnic antagonisms.
the antagonism between them was so bad they couldn't even sit near each other

Recent Examples of antagonism from the Web

Party rules that would once have screened out a Trump have given way to partisan antagonisms that empower him.

— david frum, The Atlantic, "Why Do Democracies Fail?", 20 June 2017
Right-wing parties in Europe often exhibit antagonism to immigration, but position themselves as defenders of public spending domestically.

— neil irwin, New York Times, "Trump Is Offering Populism, Minus the Free Candy", 17 June 2017
If only corrosive political antagonisms such as these were so neatly resolved.

— peter rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, "'The Journey' is an unconvincing talkathon that might have worked better on the stage", 16 June 2017
While Kohli did not speak for the fans, there was little obvious antagonism between supporters of different teams, who happily took selfies with one another and sat together in a way unimaginable to rival supporters at a Premier League soccer match.

— tim wigmore, New York Times, "India, Pakistan and Something Deeper Than Cricket", 4 June 2017
Crenca’s advice to Baltimore is to create a relationship between the city and its artists built on education and constructive compromise rather than antagonism.

— wesley case, baltimoresun.com, "Amid discussion on safe arts spaces, a look at three groups Baltimore can learn from", 2 June 2017
Despite the tension, even the ferocity, of antagonisms of class, race, region, and religion that underlay the national life, despite the conflict between labor and capital that accompanied industrial development—

— philip roth, The New Yorker, "I Have Fallen in Love with American Names", 1 June 2017
The result was the kind of up-and-down play that showcased the speed on both sides and included more than a dash of antagonism, particularly early.

— associated press, OregonLive.com, "Stanley Cup Final 2017, Game 2: Penguins dominate Predators, 4-1; Pittsburgh goes up 2-0", 31 May 2017
The comments came as Europe watches Britain preparing to leave the European Union and faces antagonism from Washington.

— michael birnbaum, Washington Post, "Following Trump’s trip, Merkel says Europe can’t rely on ‘others.’ She means the U.S.", 28 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'antagonism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of antagonism

see antagonize

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First Known Use: 1716

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of antagonism

enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. an unspoken enmity hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. hostility between the two nations antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility. a natural antipathy for self-seekers antagonism between the brothers animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. animosity that led to revenge rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong. rancor filled every line of his letters animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice. objections devoid of personal animus

ANTAGONISM Defined for English Language Learners

antagonism

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noun

Definition of antagonism for English Language Learners

: a strong feeling of dislike or hatred : a desire to oppose something you dislike or disagree with

ANTAGONISM Defined for Kids

antagonism

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noun an·tag·o·nism \an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm\

Definition of antagonism for Students

: a strong feeling of dislike or disagreement

Medical Dictionary

antagonism

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noun an·tag·o·nism \an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm\

Medical Definition of antagonism

: opposition in physiological action:a: opposing action in the effect of contraction of muscles (as the extensors and flexors of a part)b: interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened (as by interference with the uptake or by an opposing physiological reaction)—compare synergism