'antagonistic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antagōnistikos,' where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'agōnizesthai' meant 'to struggle.'

'antagōnistikos' transformed into the Late Latin word 'antagonisticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'antagonistic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to struggle against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'showing opposition or hostility.'