Antagonizing: meaning, definitions and examples

causing irritation

To antagonize means to provoke someone into hostility or to create opposition. When one antagonizes another, they often do so through actions or words that are deliberately irritating or confrontational. Antagonizing behavior can lead to conflicts and strained relationships, as it tends to escalate tensions between people. This verb is often used in psychological or social contexts to describe interactions that provoke negative emotions.

annoy, harass, infuriate, irritate, provoke

Examples of usage

• His constant teasing was antagonizing her.

• They didn’t mean to antagonize their neighbors with loud music.

• Antagonizing comments on social media can lead to heated arguments.