'antagonization' originates from the English verb 'antagonize' plus the nominalizing suffix '-ation'; 'antagonize' itself comes from Greek elements meaning 'opponent' and 'contest'.

'antagonize' was formed in English from earlier post-classical Latin/French forms (e.g. Latinized or French verb roots such as 'antagoniser') ultimately derived from Greek 'antagōnizesthai'/'antagōnistēs' and then extended in Modern English to produce the noun 'antagonization' with the suffix '-ation'.

Initially rooted in the idea of 'struggling against' or being an 'opponent', the term evolved to mean more generally 'causing opposition or hostility' and, in specialized contexts, 'producing a blocking or inhibitory effect' (pharmacology).