antagonism

[ an-tag-uh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. an active hostility or opposition, as between unfriendly or conflicting groups:

   the antagonism between the liberal and the conservative parties.

   Synonyms: strife, friction, conflict

2. an opposing force, principle, or tendency:

   Her plan to become an actress met with the antagonism of her family.

   Synonyms: animosity

3. Physiology. an opposing action, as by one muscle in relation to another.
4. Biochemistry, Pharmacology. the opposing action of substances, as drugs, that when taken together decrease the effectiveness of at least one of them ( synergism ).
5. Ecology.
   1. a relationship between two species of organisms in which the individuals of each species adversely affect the other, as in competition.
   2. the inhibition of the growth of one type of organism by a different type that is competing for the same ecological niche.

antagonism

/ ænˈtæɡəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. openly expressed and usually mutual opposition
2. the inhibiting or nullifying action of one substance or organism on another
3. physiol the normal opposition between certain muscles
4. biology the inhibition or interference of growth of one kind of organism by another

Other Words From

• inter·an·tago·nism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of antagonism¹

First recorded in 1835–40; from French antagonisme, from Greek antagṓnisma; antagonize, -ism

Example Sentences

I can also envision that his antagonism toward reporters might extend to a variety of criminal, civil and financial investigations.

From Salon

“We contracted a syndrome psychologists call irrational antagonism. That is, we split into two groups of four. A power struggle over the project’s direction made things much worse.”

From Los Angeles Times

He forgetfully addresses Ali as Mr. Clay, who calls him “Officer Mayberry” in return, and their antagonism provides a platform to make points about race in America.

From Los Angeles Times

The relationship between the TMO and its own residents was characterised by “distrust, dislike, personal antagonism and anger”.

From BBC

Much of today's modern conservative movement is rooted in the business community's antagonism against the New Deal, Phillips-Fein said, which ushered in what corporate stakeholders saw as a large labor movement that threatened business interests.

From Salon

Related Words

• animosity
• animus
• antipathy
• disagreement
• discord
• dissension
• enmity
• friction
• hatred
• hostility
• opposition
• rancor
• resistance
• rivalry