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 Word Forms

• interantagonism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of antagonism¹

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

Example Sentences

This is now shaping up as a conflict for the ages, especially as it is unclear how the story that has caused the antagonism will end.

From BBC

But this June, the antagonism was ratcheted up, after the teams combined for 11 hit batters — and not-so-veiled accusations of intentionality — over seven games played in a 11-day stretch.

From Los Angeles Times

What happens next, several political observers said, depends on whether the antagonism continues to work politically, and whether the administration starts acting on its threats to crack down even more.

From Los Angeles Times

That antagonism is clear in both complaints, which were reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

The authorities said the decision to bar him was based on his "general antagonism" and outspoken remarks about South Africa.

From BBC

Related Words

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