Definition

Noun: 1. An actively expressed feeling of dislike and hostility: A state of active opposition or hostility between people or groups. 2. A state of deep-seated ill-will: A long-standing, fundamental feeling of enmity or opposition. 3. The relation between opposing principles or forces or factors: The inherent conflict or opposition between two contrasting ideas, systems, or elements. 4. (Biochemistry) Interference in or inhibition of the physiological action of a chemical substance by another having a similar structure: A biological interaction where one substance blocks or reduces the effect of another.

Usage and Examples

• The personal antagonism between the two leaders made diplomatic negotiations impossible.
• There is a fundamental antagonism between the goals of rapid economic growth and environmental conservation.
• In the body, calcium can show antagonism toward magnesium absorption.
• His criticism was born out of genuine political antagonism, not mere disagreement.

Advanced Usage

• To be in antagonism to/with something: To be in a state of direct opposition.
  • His actions were in direct antagonism to the company's stated values.
• To feel antagonism toward(s) someone/something: To harbor feelings of hostility.
  • She could not hide her antagonism towards the proposed policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Antagonist (noun): A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. In biochemistry, a substance that interferes with physiological action.
• Antagonistic (adjective): Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility.
• Antagonize (verb): To cause someone to become hostile.

Synonyms

• Hostility: Open antagonism or opposition.
• Animosity: Strong hostility.
• Enmity: The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile.
• Opposition: Resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument.
• Friction: Conflict or animosity caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opinions.

Antonyms

• Friendship
• Goodwill
• Cooperation
• Sympathy
• Alliance

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Class antagonism: The inherent conflict of interests between social classes, often discussed in political theory.
• Receptor antagonism: A specific type of biochemical antagonism where a drug blocks a cellular receptor.

Noun

1. (biochemistry) interference in or inhibition of the physiological action of a chemical substance by another having a similar structure
2. an actively expressed feeling of dislike and hostility
3. the relation between opposing principles or forces or factors
   • the inherent antagonism of capitalism and socialism
4. a state of deep-seated ill-will