Antagonize: meaning, definitions and examples

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antagonize

[ænˈtæɡəˌnaɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a conflict

To provoke hostility or anger in someone, especially in a deliberate and persistent way. To act in a way that is likely to cause someone to become angry or to oppose you.

Synonyms

anger, antagonise, irritate, provoke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
antagonize	Use when someone is causing someone else to become hostile or opposed, often through persistent actions or words. His constant criticism served to antagonize his colleagues. Don't antagonize the dog; it will bite you if it's scared.
provoke	Usually used when someone is deliberately trying to elicit a reaction, often a negative one. It often implies a calculated action to cause someone to respond emotionally or take action. He tried to provoke a reaction by making controversial statements. The bully's remarks were meant to provoke the shy student into a confrontation.
irritate	Best used when referring to minor annoyances or discomforts that build up over time. It often has a less intense connotation than 'anger' or 'antagonize'. The constant noise from the construction site irritated him. Her habit of interrupting others during meetings can really irritate people.
antagonise	This is the British English spelling of 'antagonize'. The context and examples are similar to those of 'antagonize'. Avoid actions that might antagonise your neighbors. His stubbornness can easily antagonise others.
anger	Used to indicate causing someone to feel strong displeasure or rage. It is a straightforward term that covers a wide range of situations. His careless comments angered the entire team. You angered her by repeatedly ignoring her calls.

Examples of usage

He constantly antagonized his coworkers by making rude comments.
She knew that bringing up politics at the family dinner would antagonize her conservative relatives.
Don't antagonize the situation any further, it's already tense.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a competitive situation

To compete with or oppose someone in a hostile manner. To act in a way that is likely to provoke a reaction or response.

Synonyms

challenge, compete, oppose, rival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
antagonize	Used when someone provokes hostility or deliberately makes someone else angry. Negative connotation. Her sarcastic comments only served to antagonize her coworkers. He didn't mean to antagonize you with his actions.
compete	Used when individuals or groups strive to win something over others, such as in sports, business, or other fields. Neutral or positive connotation. Teams from around the world will compete in the tournament. Several companies are competing for the same contract.
oppose	Used when someone actively resists or is against something. Often has a formal or organized connotation. The citizens came together to oppose the new law. She strongly opposed the company's decision to cut jobs.
challenge	Used when someone questions or contests something, often seeking to improve or test it. It does not necessarily have a negative connotation. She decided to challenge the traditional approach to problem-solving. He challenged his friend to a game of chess.
rival	Used when referring to someone who competes with another, often over a long period, in similar fields or activities. Neutral connotation. The two athletes have been rivals since their high school days. Apple and Samsung are major rivals in the smartphone market.

Examples of usage

The two rival companies continued to antagonize each other in the market.
She didn't mean to antagonize her teammates, but her competitive nature sometimes got the best of her.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'antagonizesthai,' meaning 'to contend against.'
It combines 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'agon' meaning 'struggle' or 'contest.'
Initially used in literature, it has evolved over time to commonly describe interpersonal conflict.

Psychology

People often antagonize others to gain a sense of control or power in a situation.
It can create defensive reactions, leading to conflicts that are hard to resolve.
Understanding why we antagonize can help improve communication and relationships.

Pop Culture

Antagonizers are common characters in movies and books, often creating tension in the plot.
Villains that antagonize heroes have become iconic, serving as a reflection of our struggles with conflict.
Reality TV often amplifies antagonistic behavior for dramatic effect, attracting audiences eager for conflict.

Literature

In many stories, the antagonist is a character who opposes the protagonist, driving the storyline.
Classic literature often explores the psychological motivations behind antagonizing behavior.
Famous duels in literature symbolize deep enmity, showcasing the personal stakes of antagonism.

Social Dynamics

Antagonizing can occur in friendships, workplaces, or online interactions, leading to toxic environments.
Understanding the roots of antagonistic behavior can foster empathy and conflict resolution skills.
Studies show that addressing antagonism directly can lead to healthier relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "antagonize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antagonizar

🇮🇳 विरोध करना (Virodh karna)

🇩🇪 antagonisieren

🇮🇩 memusuhi

🇺🇦 антагонізувати

🇵🇱 antagonizować

🇯🇵 敵対させる (Tekitai saseru)

🇫🇷 antagoniser

🇪🇸 antagonizar

🇹🇷 antagonize etmek

🇰🇷 적대하다 (Jeokdae hada)

🇸🇦 معاداة (Mu'adat)

🇨🇿 antagonizovat

🇸🇰 antagonizovať

🇨🇳 对抗 (Duìkàng)

🇸🇮 antagonizirati

🇮🇸 andstæðingur

🇰🇿 қарсы шығу (Qarsy shyğu)

🇬🇪 დაპირისპირება (Dap’irispireba)

🇦🇿 müxalif olmaq

🇲🇽 antagonizar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,789, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24786 omniscience
24787 chiseled
24788 parse
24789 antagonize
24790 riverine
24791 hoeing
24792 unsalted
...