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Definition of antagonism

antagonism

/ænˈtæɡ.ə.nɪz.əm/
an · tag · o · nism
Adverb:antagonistically
•
Plural:antagonisms
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Adjective:antagonistic
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antagonism Lexical Profile

antagonism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Active hostility, opposition, or animosity between individuals, groups, or forces.

Example

"Years of unresolved disputes had created a deep antagonism between the two neighboring departments."

2

In physiology and biochemistry, the mutual opposition in action between structures, agents, muscles, or substances, such that one counteracts or inhibits the effect of another.

Example

"The pharmacist explained the chemical antagonism between the two medications and advised against taking them together."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for antagonism

• Nearby Words

answerphone
ant
antacid
antagonism
antagonist
antagonistic
antagonistically

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French antagonisme, from Ancient Greek antagonisma ('a struggle against'), derived from anti- ('against') and agonizesthai ('to struggle or contend'), from agon ('contest').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Antagonism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/antagonism
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