Antagonist: meaning, definitions and examples

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antagonist

[ænˈtæɡ.ən.ɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. In this novel, the antagonist is a corrupt politician who tries to undermine the hero's efforts
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. She trained hard to face her long-time adversary in the championship match
opponent	Primarily used in sports, debates, or any competitive scenario to indicate someone on the opposite side. It has a neutral tone. Her opponent in the debate was well-prepared and articulate
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. During the war, they considered each other enemies, though they had once been friends
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. In the classic epic, the hero must defeat his powerful foe to save the kingdom
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. The two scientists were rivals, each striving to be the first to make the groundbreaking discovery

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

A molecule that binds to a receptor and inhibits or blocks the receptor's activity.

Synonyms

blocker, inhibitor.

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. The antagonist in the novel was always plotting against the hero
blocker	Commonly used in various contexts, such as sports or business, to describe someone or something that obstructs progress. It has a neutral connotation. He acted as a blocker on the team, preventing the opposing players from scoring
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. The enzyme inhibitor was critical in controlling the chemical reaction

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.

The antagonist in the novel was always plotting against the hero

blocker

Commonly used in various contexts, such as sports or business, to describe someone or something that obstructs progress. It has a neutral connotation.

He acted as a blocker on the team, preventing the opposing players from scoring

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.

The enzyme inhibitor was critical in controlling the chemical reaction

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.

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 player’s 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "antagonist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antagonista

🇮🇳 विरोधी

🇩🇪 Antagonist

🇮🇩 antagonis

🇺🇦 антагоніст

🇵🇱 antagonista

🇯🇵 敵役 (てきやく)

🇫🇷 antagoniste

🇪🇸 antagonista

🇹🇷 antagonist

🇰🇷 적대자 (jeokdaeja)

🇸🇦 خصم

🇨🇿 antagonista

🇸🇰 antagonista

🇨🇳 对手 (duìshǒu)

🇸🇮 antagonist

🇮🇸 andstæðingur

🇰🇿 қарсылас

🇬🇪 ანტაგონისტი

🇦🇿 əks tərəf

🇲🇽 antagonista

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,747, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11744 anchorage
11745 exacting
11746 scrub
11747 antagonist
11748 beset
11749 sting
11750 inversely
...