antagonist

[an-tag-uh-nist]

noun

1. a person who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with another; opponent; adversary.

   Synonyms: foe, enemy, contestant
   Antonyms: friend, ally

2. the adversary of the hero or protagonist of a drama or other literary work.

   Iago is the antagonist of Othello.

3. Physiology.,  a muscle that acts in opposition to another.

4. Dentistry.,  a tooth in one jaw that articulates during mastication or occlusion with a tooth in the opposing jaw.

5. Pharmacology.,  a drug that counteracts the effects of another drug.

antagonist

/ ænˈtæɡənɪst /

noun

1. an opponent or adversary, as in a contest, drama, sporting event, etc

2. any muscle that opposes the action of another Compare agonist

3. a drug that counteracts the effects of another drug Compare synergist

antagonist

1. A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle, as by relaxing while the other one contracts, thereby producing smooth, coordinated movement.

2. A chemical substance, such as a drug, that interferes with the physiological action of another substance, especially by combining with and blocking its nerve receptor.

3. Compare agonist

Word History and Origins

Origin of antagonist¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin antagōnista, from Greek antagōnistḗs. See antagonize, -ist

Synonym Study

See adversary.

Example Sentences

Jordan’s performance as complex antagonist Erik Killmonger in Coogler’s “Black Panther” drew widespread awards attention from critics groups, and the film’s cast won the SAG ensemble prize — Jordan’s highest acting honor to date.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The book contains a warning to the BBC from an unnamed source who says William is an "implacable antagonist" and "has people on the case".

Read more on BBC

Vecna, the main antagonist from Season 4, had been seeking out four victims whose deaths would open four gates to the Upside Down.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These antagonist episodes in U.S.-Mexico relations may merit little more than a footnote in some basic U.S. history texts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Inserting any creature that could be thought of as cuddly into a universe whose antagonists have a yen for ripping the skulls and spines from their victims is, at best, a test of customer loyalty.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• adversary 
• enemy 
• foe