antagonising
|an-tag-o-nis-ing|
/ænˈtæɡənaɪzɪŋ/
(antagonise)
making someone an opponent
Etymology
'antagonise' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antagōnistēs' (from 'antagōnizesthai'), where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'agōn' (or 'agōnizesthai') meant 'contest' or 'struggle'.
'antagonise' passed into Late Latin and then via French/Latin forms such as 'antagoniser'/'antagonizare' into English; it became established in modern English as 'antagonize'/'antagonise' in the 17th–18th centuries.
Initially it related to 'contending or competing' (a sense tied to 'contest' or 'struggle'), but over time it shifted toward the meaning 'to provoke hostility or opposition' used in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle (gerund) form of 'antagonise' — indicating the act of provoking hostility, opposition, or irritation in someone.
His constant criticism is antagonising many of his colleagues.
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Adjective 1
acting to provoke hostility or opposition; causing someone to feel antagonism or resentment.
The boss's antagonising tone made the meeting tense.
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Last updated: 2025/08/20 10:37