antagonize

[ an-tag-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, an·tag·o·nized, an·tag·o·niz·ing.

1. to make hostile or unfriendly; make an enemy or antagonist of:

   His speech antagonized many voters.

2. to act in opposition to; oppose.

verb (used without object)

, an·tag·o·nized, an·tag·o·niz·ing.

1. Rare. to act antagonistically.

antagonize

/ ænˈtæɡəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to make hostile; annoy or irritate
2. to act in opposition to or counteract

Derived Forms

• anˈtagoˌnizable, adjective
• anˌtagoniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• an·tago·niza·ble adjective
• an·tago·ni·zation noun
• rean·tago·nize verb (used with object) reantagonized reantagonizing
• unan·tago·niza·ble adjective
• unan·tago·nized adjective
• unan·tago·nizing adjective
• unan·tago·nizing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antagonize¹

First recorded in 1625–35, antagonize is from the Greek word antagōnízesthai to contend against, dispute with. See ant-, agonize

Word History and Origins

Origin of antagonize¹

C17: from Greek antagōnizesthai, from anti- + agōnizesthai to strive, from agōn contest

Example Sentences

Not only has Musk fired much of the Twitter workforce, but he also publicly antagonized journalists and news outlets on the platform and increasingly spreading misinformation about his more than 200 million followers, CNN reported.

From Salon

On the other, you have Baier trying to show he's tough by antagonizing and talking over her.

From Salon

Neither side was eager to prolong a battle that antagonized customers.

From Los Angeles Times

The snub would have antagonized many among a core constituency at a time former President Trump appears to be making meaningful inroads in the Democratic base.

From Los Angeles Times

The compensation vote pitted those who regard Mr. Musk as a genius who has revolutionized the auto industry against those antagonized by his polarizing statements on X and recent slumps in Tesla sales and earnings.

From New York Times

Related Words

• alienate
• anger
• annoy
• irritate
• offend