antagonism

/æn'tægənizm/
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antagonism

A specific drug molecule can block a receptor by binding to it and causing antagonism.

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.
antagonism

A specific drug molecule can block a receptor by binding to it and causing antagonism.

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