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Antagonizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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antagonizing

 

[ ænˈtæɡəˌnaɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "antagonizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antagonizando

🇮🇳 विरोध करना

🇩🇪 antagonisierend

🇮🇩 menggangu

🇺🇦 антAGONізуючи

🇵🇱 antagonizujący

🇯🇵 対立させる

🇫🇷 antagonisant

🇪🇸 antagonizando

🇹🇷 antagonize etmek

🇰🇷 대립하게 하다

🇸🇦 مُعَارِض

🇨🇿 antagonizující

🇸🇰 antagonizujúci

🇨🇳 对抗

🇸🇮 antagonizirajoč

🇮🇸 andstæðingur

🇰🇿 антигондық

🇬🇪 ანტაგონისტური

🇦🇿 antagonizə edən

🇲🇽 antagonizando

Word origin

The term 'antagonize' originates from the Greek word 'antagonizesthai,' which means 'to contend against.' This word is a combination of two parts: 'anti,' meaning 'against,' and 'agonizesthai,' meaning 'to contend' or 'to struggle.' The use of 'antagonize' in the English language began in the late 19th century, primarily in literature and academic discussions. Over the years, it has been used to describe not just personal conflicts but also to refer to competitive relationships in various fields, such as politics, sports, and business.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,562 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.