antagonizing
|an-tag-o-niz-ing|
🇺🇸
/ænˈtæɡəˌnaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ænˈtæɡənaɪz/
(antagonize)
cause hostility
Etymology
'antagonize' originates from French, specifically the word 'antagoniser', where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'agon' (from Greek) meant 'contest'.
'antagonize' changed from Greek 'antagonizesthai' (to struggle against) through French 'antagoniser' and late forms into the modern English verb 'antagonize'.
Initially, it referred to contesting or struggling against (a rival), but over time it evolved into the current sense of causing hostility or provoking opposition.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make someone hostile or unfriendly; to provoke antagonism or opposition.
His constant criticism is antagonizing his coworkers.
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Adjective 1
causing someone to feel hostility or annoyance; provocative or irritating.
Her antagonizing remarks made it hard for the team to reach an agreement.
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Last updated: 2025/08/20 14:07