synergism

[ sin-er-jiz-uhm, si-nur-jiz- ]

noun

1. synergy ( def 1 ).
2. Biochemistry, Pharmacology. the joint action of agents, as drugs, that when taken together increase each other's effectiveness ( antagonism ).
3. Theology. the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost in the work of regeneration. Compare monergism.

synergism

/ sɪˈnɜː-; ˈsɪnəˌdʒɪzəm /

noun

1. Also calledsynergy the working together of two or more drugs, muscles, etc, to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects
2. another name for synergy
3. Christian theol the doctrine or belief that the human will cooperates with the Holy Spirit and with divine grace, esp in the act of conversion or regeneration

Word History and Origins

Origin of synergism¹

First recorded in 1755–65; from New Latin synergismus, from Greek synerg(ós), “working together” ( syn- syn- + érg(on) work + -os adjective suffix) + New Latin -ismus -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of synergism¹

C18: from New Latin synergismus, from Greek sunergos, from syn- + ergon work

Example Sentences

There are things to be explained about Whedon’s involvement with the show, but for now let’s stick to the synergism between the new series and his great creation, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

From New York Times

So was it the cyclamates or the saccharin, or synergism between the two, that had raised the malignant-looking cells in the animals’ bladders?

From Nature

"I think the synergism is going to happen," Gehry said in an interview, alluding to the connection between the three projects.

From Los Angeles Times

"Efficient transmission of influenza virus results from synergism among multiple viral gene segments," she says.

From Science Magazine

"The resulting synergism of sunlight and bug-produced chemicals to kill pathogens is simply amazing and heretofore was unknown."

From BBC

Related Words

• aid
• assistance
• collaboration
• participation
• partnership
• service
• unity

More About Synergism

What does synergism mean?

Synergism is a less common word for synergy, which refers to when an interaction of elements produces an effect that is greater than the effect that would have resulted from simply adding up the effects of each individual element.

In other words, it is what happens when a combination of things produces an effect or result that is said to be “greater than the sum of its parts.”

When you combine things—chemicals, ingredients, people—you often expect these things to interact in a certain way based on what has been included. But when something extra happens, something greater, this is synergism. The word implies that the magic is in the combination, as opposed to in the individual elements themselves.

Synergism is also used in a more specific way in the context of medicine to refer to the cooperation between multiple body parts, such as muscles or nerves, or the interaction of drugs or other stimuli. The things that cooperate in this way can be called synergists. The opposite of this—when parts work against each other—is called antagonism.

The adjective synergistic can be used to describe a combination that produces such an effect or things that work together in this way.

Example: The cooperation between these departments produced a synergism that led to great success.

Where does synergism come from?

The first records of the word synergism come from around 1760. It ultimately comes from the Greek synerg(ós), meaning “working together,” from syn-, “together,” and + érg(on), “work.” The root érg(on) is also the basis of words like energy and ergonomics. The suffix -ism can be used in nouns to indicate an action, process, or result.

Synergism is usually used in the context of things or people working together successfully. It can be used in all kinds of contexts, but its synonym synergy is more common in general contexts. In medicine, synergism often refers to the successful cooperation of muscles or medications.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms of synergism?

• synergistic (adjective)
• synergic (adjective)

What are some synonyms for synergism?

• synergy

What are some words that share a root or word element with synergism? 

• synergist
• energy
• ergonomics

What are some words that often get used in discussing synergism?

• combination
• element
• sum
• part
• cooperation
• drug
• medicine
• muscle
• together

 

 

How is synergism used in real life?

Synergism can mean the same thing as the general sense of synergy, but it is much less commonly used. Synergism is also used in scientific and medical contexts.

Synergism between sports medicine, S&C, and sport vital to athlete development. We use a power profile (bottom) to track and target outcomes. Get to @AlabamaFTBL and sports med shows us a graphic they have been using (top). Yeah I see great collaborations ahead with @makennahsdad pic.twitter.com/Kqeix3CJtj

— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) March 7, 2020

Today's shout-out to #WomeninSTEM goes to Ana Oliveira for her intriguing paper in Frontiers in #Microbiology showing synergism between #phage and #honey against #Escherchia coli #biofilms. https://t.co/49mtCfHEr6 #AMR

— Steffanie Strathdee, PhD 🗡️ 🦠Superbug Slayer🗡️ (@chngin_the_wrld) December 26, 2017

Synergism between nutrients and drugs. A new frontier in nutrition and health https://t.co/XjJQcn5J8b

— Josep M Del Bas (@JosepMDelBas1) July 13, 2018

Try using synergism!

Which of the following words is LEAST likely to be used to describe an effect that is said to be the result of synergism

A. successful

B. magical

C. unproductive

D. effective