antagonism
Americannoun
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an active hostility or opposition, as between unfriendly or conflicting groups.
the antagonism between the liberal and the conservative parties.
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an opposing force, principle, or tendency.
Her plan to become an actress met with the antagonism of her family.
- Synonyms:
- animosity
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Physiology. an opposing action, as by one muscle in relation to another.
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Biochemistry, Pharmacology. the opposing action of substances, as drugs, that when taken together decrease the effectiveness of at least one of them (synergism ).
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Ecology.
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a relationship between two species of organisms in which the individuals of each species adversely affect the other, as in competition.
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the inhibition of the growth of one type of organism by a different type that is competing for the same ecological niche.
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noun
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openly expressed and usually mutual opposition
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the inhibiting or nullifying action of one substance or organism on another
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physiol the normal opposition between certain muscles
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biology the inhibition or interference of growth of one kind of organism by another
Other Word Forms
- interantagonism noun
Etymology
Origin of antagonism
First recorded in 1835–40; from French antagonisme, from Greek antagṓnisma; antagonize, -ism
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.
The author proposes that offering Cuba genuine sovereignty rather than further intervention could transform the relationship from one of antagonism to mutual benefit, potentially creating a new geopolitical ally and trade partner.
From Los Angeles Times
Even as they profess admiration for one another’s work, Ruth, Jay and Leigh sink into a bog of miscommunication and antagonism.
The sisters’ mutual antagonism has a few clever beats, like when they bicker over who had the superior working-class restaurant job, Grace waiting tables or Faith as a hostess.
From Los Angeles Times
Despite this resilience, the baseline outlook if the regime survives and antagonism with the West continues is grim.
Meanwhile, other rivalries—with U.S. allies on both sides—are supplanting the Iran-Israel antagonism.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
