antagonism
an-TAG-uh-nih-zum
/ænˈtæɡ.ə.nɪ.zəm/
active hostility or opposition between people or groups.
Antagonism is often structural or mutual; it describes a state where two forces are naturally at odds, like oil and water or opposing political parties.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to the Greek 'antagonizesthai', which meant to struggle against a competitor in the public games. It moved from the literal athletic arena to the metaphorical arena of ideas and social interactions.
Word relationships
- hostility: Hostility is a broader term for unfriendliness, while antagonism implies an active, opposing force.
- friction: Friction is a milder, more metaphorical term for social disagreement.
- accord: Accord implies a formal or natural agreement.
- harmony: Harmony suggests a pleasing arrangement or cooperation.
Commonly confused with
- agony: While both share the root 'agon', agony is the internal struggle of pain, whereas antagonism is an external struggle against another.
Word family
- antagonize (verb): to cause someone to become hostile
- antagonist (noun): a person who actively opposes someone
- antagonistic (adjective): showing active opposition
Collocations
- bitter antagonism
- mutual antagonism
- personal antagonism
Example sentences
- "The antagonism between the two software companies led to a series of aggressive lawsuits over patent infringement." Describing the relationship between two rival tech giants.
- "The antagonism between the protagonist and his father provides the central conflict of the narrative." A literary analysis of a classic novel.
Memory hook
Think of an 'ant' and a 'giant' in a struggle; the 'ant-agonist' is the one fighting against the giant. Antagonism is the 'anti-struggle' against someone else.
When not to use
Do not use for a one-sided, hidden feeling of hatred; use 'animosity' or 'rancor' instead.
Fun facts
- In biology, an antagonist is a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another.
Related words
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