'antagonist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antagōnistēs,' where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'agōnistēs' meant 'competitor.'

'antagōnistēs' transformed into the Latin word 'antagonista,' and eventually became the modern English word 'antagonist' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'competitor or rival,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'opponent or adversary.'