antagonize
[ an-tag-uh-nahyz ]
/ ænˈtæg əˌnaɪz /
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verb (used with object), an·tag·o·nized, an·tag·o·niz·ing.
to make hostile or unfriendly; make an enemy or antagonist of: His speech antagonized many voters.
to act in opposition to; oppose.
verb (used without object), an·tag·o·nized, an·tag·o·niz·ing.
Rare. to act antagonistically.
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Also especially British, an·tag·o·nise .
Origin of antagonize
OTHER WORDS FROM antagonize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for antagonize
antagonize
antagonise
/ (ænˈtæɡəˌnaɪz) /
verb (tr)
to make hostile; annoy or irritate
to act in opposition to or counteract
Derived forms of antagonize
antagonizable or antagonisable, adjectiveantagonization or antagonisation, nounWord Origin for antagonize
C17: from Greek antagōnizesthai, from anti- + agōnizesthai to strive, from agōn contest
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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