Antagonist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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antagonist
[รฆnหtรฆษก.ษn.ษชst ]
Definitions
literature
A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.
Synonyms
adversary, enemy, foe, opponent, rival.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| antagonist |
Used in literature or storytelling to describe a character that opposes the protagonist. It often has a formal or neutral tone.
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| adversary |
Commonly used in sports, competitions, or conflicts to denote a person or group that one is competing against. It often implies a level of respect.
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| opponent |
Primarily used in sports, debates, or any competitive scenario to indicate someone on the opposite side. It has a neutral tone.
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| enemy |
Used to describe someone who seeks to harm or is hostile towards another. It often has a strong negative connotation and can be used in both personal and broader contexts like wars.
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| foe |
Another term for an enemy, typically used in more formal or literary contexts. The term can evoke a sense of drama or historical conflict.
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| rival |
Describes someone who competes for the same goal or object, often prompting a sense of ongoing competition or rivalry. It can be used in personal, professional, or academic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He plays the antagonist to the hero in the novel.
- She saw him as her antagonist in the upcoming election.
- The antagonist in the movie was a ruthless villain.
- The antagonist's motives were finally revealed in the last chapter.
- The detective finally caught the antagonist after a long chase.
biology
A molecule that binds to a receptor and inhibits or blocks the receptor's activity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| antagonist |
Used in literature or storytelling to describe a character who opposes the protagonist or main character. It has a neutral to negative connotation depending on the context.
|
| blocker |
Commonly used in various contexts, such as sports or business, to describe someone or something that obstructs progress. It has a neutral connotation.
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| inhibitor |
Used in scientific or technical contexts, especially in chemistry or biology, to describe a substance that slows down or prevents a reaction. It has a neutral connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The drug acts as an antagonist to the receptor, preventing its activation.
- This antagonist molecule blocks the neurotransmitter from binding to the receptor.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many stories, the antagonist creates challenges for the hero, like how the wolf tries to catch the three little pigs.
- Famous literary antagonists include Iago from Shakespeare's 'Othello' and Voldemort from the Harry Potter series, both shaping the heroes' journeys.
Film
- In movies, antagonists can take many forms, from a villainous character to nature itself, like in 'The Revenant' where the environment poses the main challenge.
- Great films often feature memorable antagonists, like the Joker in 'The Dark Knight,' who tests Batman's morals and limits.
Psychology
- Antagonistic relationships can reveal important traits about the protagonist, showing how pressure and conflict lead to character development.
- Conflict with an antagonist often symbolizes internal struggles or fears within the protagonist, leading to personal growth.
Games
- In video games, antagonists are often bosses that players must defeat to complete the story, providing challenges and obstacles.
- The antagonist can be a vital part of game design, guiding the playerโs goals and emotions throughout the gameplay experience.
Philosophy
- The concept of an antagonist can extend beyond stories; it reflects the idea of struggle as a fundamental part of the human experience.
- Some philosophers argue that conflict is essential for growth, as challenges posed by antagonists can lead to greater understanding and strength.
Origin of 'antagonist'
The word 'antagonist' comes from the Greek word 'antagonistes', which means 'opponent'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to refer to a person who opposes or competes with another. In the context of biology, the term 'antagonist' was first used in the late 19th century to describe a molecule that blocks the action of a neurotransmitter. Over the years, 'antagonist' has become a widely recognized term in both literary and scientific fields.