Antagonize: meaning, definitions and examples
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antagonize
[ ænˈtæɡəˌnaɪz ]
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
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.
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
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.
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 origin
The word 'antagonize' originated from the Greek word 'antagonizesthai', which means 'to struggle against'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, 'antagonize' has come to be associated with the idea of provoking conflict or opposition, whether intentionally or unintentionally.