antagonize
verb (used with object)
to make hostile or unfriendly; make an enemy or antagonist of.
antagonise
-
a variation of
antagonize.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She was under pressure from European colleagues not to antagonise the US over Greenland, in case that impacts US support for Ukraine.
From BBC ● Jan. 6, 2026
There are also economic targets Iran could strike, but this would antagonise its Gulf Arab neighbours who have recently reached an uneasy modus vivendi with the Islamic Republic.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2025
Reflecting on her mother's personality, Eve adds: "One wouldn't want to antagonise her because even though she had a big and generous heart, she could be rather volatile."
From BBC ● Jan. 6, 2025
Under pressure from liberals and hardliners alike, al-Sharaa and HTS are treading a fine line in an attempt not to antagonise either side too much and the need for flexibility appears to be key.
From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2024
But he was careful not to agitate and antagonise those whose coöperation was necessary to success.
From The Great God Success by David Graham Phillips
