agonist

[ ag-uh-nist ]

noun

1. a person engaged in a contest, conflict, struggle, etc., especially the protagonist in a literary work.
2. a person who is torn by inner conflict.
3. Physiology. a contracting muscle whose action is opposed by another muscle. Compare antagonist ( def 3 ).
4. Pharmacology. a chemical substance capable of activating a receptor to induce a full or partial pharmacological response. Compare antagonist ( def 5 ).

agonist

/ ˈæɡənɪst /

noun

1. any muscle that is opposed in action by another muscle Compare antagonist
2. a competitor, as in an agon

agonist

/ ăg′ə-nĭst /

1. A muscle that actively contracts to produce a desired movement.
2. A chemical substance, especially a drug, that can combine with a receptor on a cell to produce a physiologic response.
3. Compare antagonist

Word History and Origins

Origin of agonist¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Late Latin agōnista, from Greek agōnistḗs “contestant,” equivalent to agṓn agon + -istēs -ist

Word History and Origins

Origin of agonist¹

C17: from Greek agōn agon

Example Sentences

These medications—GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors—have been shown to have a significant impact on lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.

From Time

A class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists can interact with GLP-1 receptors in ways that lower appetite, slow digestion, and provide other benefits for people with Type 2 diabetes.

From Time

Agonist, ag′o-nist, n. one who contends for a prize in public games.

From Project Gutenberg